The aging mind : an owner's manual / Patrick Rabbitt.

Part One. - What is Aging? -- Part Two. - Memory -- Part Three. - Senses -- Part Four. - Intelligence, Skills and Wisdom -- Part Five. - Living with Aging -- Part Six. - Aging Well -- --

Introduction -- 1. Talking About Old Age -- -- Part One. - What is Aging? -- 2. Why We Age -- 3. How Fast Do We Change? -- 4. How Well Do We Understand What Is Happening to Us? -- 5. Bodily Signs Of Mental Changes -- -- Part Two. - Memory -- 6. What is Memory For? -- 7. Remembering To Do Things -- 8. Who Said That? -- 9. Losing And Finding Words and Names -- 10. Remembering The Beginnings Of Our Lives -- 11. Remembering The Rest Of Our Lives -- -- Part Three. - Senses -- 12. Seeing -- 13. Hearing -- 14. Taste and Smell -- 16. Fumbling and Stumbling -- -- Part Four. - Intelligence, Skills and Wisdom -- 17. General Smarts -- 18. Keeping The Skills We Have Learned -- 19. Reading Others' Minds -- 20. The Getting Of Wisdom -- -- Part Five. - Living with Aging -- 21. Those Old Blues: Depression and Anxiety -- 22. The Speed of Thought -- 23. Paying Attention -- 24. Good and Bad Days -- 25. Sleep -- 26. Time Passing -- -- Part Six. - Aging Well -- 27. What Can We Do About All This?

"Getting older is something none of us anticipate with enthusiasm. There are things we can do in our 20's and 30's that may not be possible in our advancing years, and whilst some may actively resist or ignore the consequences of aging, change is inevitable; But whilst our physical capabilities may become limited, what concerns many people much more is cognitive decline - the aging of the mind. Professor Patrick Rabbitt has been a cognitive gerontologist studying the aging process for over half a century. Now in his late 70's, he is in the unique position of being able to interpret his own experiences through a comprehensive understanding of what gerontological research can tell us about the aging process. In this unique book, Professor Rabbitt offers his insights from a lifetime of work studying how the mind ages, but also informed by his own experiences and insights in living through this aging process. He explains why our sensual and cognitive experiences change as we get older, including how our memories evolve, as well as what cognitive changes mean for our overall physical and emotional well-being. He is able to debunk popular myths about the aging process, and offer possible routes whereby we can manage our lives better as we get older. This is a fascinating account of the aging process from one of the most eminent gerontologists working today. Its warmth and candour will make it an enlightening read for anyone interested in their own or a relative's advancing years; its rigour and comprehensiveness will make ideal reading for any student seeking an accessible alternative to standard textbooks on aging."--Provided by publisher.