The Healthy Aging Brain

Course overview

The brain is the most complex part of the human body. People once believed that progressive mental decline was inevitable, but now we know that the brain's ability to age well varies from person to person and is affected by genetic predisposition, genes, life experiences, lifestyle, exposure to toxins and chemicals, accidents, trauma, and disease. Cognitive abilities do not automatically decline with age: the majority of older adults are happy; they live an active, optimistic life with many friends; and they engage in leisure-time activities that increase not only their quality of life but also their longevity and the health of their brains. The outcome for the learner is to describe the components of the brain and their functions; the current theories of neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and epigenetics; and the effects of physical activity, nutrition, mental stimulation, socialization, creativity, attitude, spirituality, and meditation on the healthy aging brain.