I should have known I wouldn't get away with "demento prevento"
The editors at HuffPo50 changed the title of today’s post from “Have I got a pitch for you: demento prevento!” to “How Having A Purpose In Life Impacts Your Brain—In A Big Way”—and I can’t say I blame them. It turns out that the brains of totally sharp older people often contain extensive abnormalities typical of Alzheimer’s disease. It also turns out that what many of them have in common is a purpose in life, whether it’s to beat Mrs. Rubenstein at bridge or end world hunger.
What’s the biggest obstacle? The pervasive ageism that sidelines and segregates older member Americans, making it infinitely harder to find meaningful roles in late life. More here about how an anti-ageism campaign would help keep older Americans’ brains and bodies healthy.
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at Berklee College of Music
6yKeep us honest and headed in the right direction!
Director, Human Rights Team, Australian Human Rights Commission
9yLove your work, Ashton Applewhite!
Founder, CEO, Data Scientist at EcoGeospatial, L3C
9yAshton, often with the insight.
Founder at Occupational Therapy Brisbane
9yAshton, as always, spot on. Thanks for the write up. I especially enjoyed Ellen Langer's interview with Krista Tippet at OnBeing.org. She touches on the study you mention and her evolving observation since the initial study. Worth a listen- David