Brain Power: Improve Your Mind as You Age [Paperback]

Michael J. Gelb (Author), Kelly Howell (Author), Tony Buzan (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 13, 2011

Virtually everyone fears mental deterioration as they age. But in the past thirty years neuroscientists have discovered that the brain is actually designed to improve throughout life. How can you encourage this improvement? Brain Power shares practical, state-of-the-evidence answers in this inspiring, fun-to-read plan for action. The authors have interviewed physicians, gerontologists, and neuroscientists; studied the habits of men and women who epitomize healthy aging; and applied what they describe in their own lives. The resulting guidance — along with the accompanying downloadable Brain Sync audio program — can help you activate unused brain areas, tone mental muscles, and enliven every faculty.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A blueprint to optimize your brain and improve the rest of your life.”
— Daniel G. Amen, MD, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

“You will find, on every page, useful and intriguing knowledge, resources, practices, exercises, and technologies to unleash your brain power and improve your mind as you age. Buy it, read it, live it!”
— Tony Buzan, author of Use Both Sides of Your Brain

“This book offers an excellent collection of tools to improve your mind and life. I hope everyone will read this wonderful resource, which can help us all to not just survive but thrive.”
— Bernie Siegel, MD, author of 365 Prescriptions for the Soul and A Book of Miracles

“Brain Power is beautifully written, weaving together science, art, and history to provide the evidence and practical tools to enhance your brain function so that you can have a brilliant life. Everyone should read this book.”
— Eva Selhub, MD, author of The Love Response and instructor at Harvard Medical School

“In Brain Power, Michael Gelb and Kelly Howell present us with one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date reviews of simple yet powerful strategies we can all implement to not just preserve but actually improve the power of our brains as we age. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in wellness and longevity.”
— Tereza Hubkova, MD, integrative specialist, Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA

“This wonderful book offers everything you need to know to improve your mind as you age. The latest science combined with a user-friendly, highly entertaining presentation make this book a winner. Highly recommended!”
— Hyla Cass, MD, author of 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health

“Brain Power is an essential, practical, and inspiring guide to improving your mind as you age. Savor the sounds and meanings to bring harmony to your life. This book is ageless!”
— Don Campbell, author of The Mozart Effect and Healing at the Speed of Sound

About the Author

Michael J. Gelb is the preeminent authority on the application of genius thinking and a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning, and innovative leadership. Gelb leads seminars for organizations such as DuPont, Merck, Microsoft, Nike, Raytheon, and YPO. He is the author of the bestselling How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day.

With almost three million audio programs in print, Kelly Howell is highly acclaimed for her groundbreaking work in healing and mind expansion. She is the creator of Brain Sync audio technology and the world’s leading innovator in the practical application of brain-wave research.

Tony Buzan, the inventor of Mind Maps, lives in Marlowe, outside London. His business is headquartered in Cardiff.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; Original edition (December 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1608680738
• ISBN-13: 978-1608680733
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #208,318 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Really a whorthwhile book. January 13, 2012

By Marilyn Dalrymple VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It is full of studies, science and fact, but most importantly is stresses the value of looking toward the possibilities of a healthy aging, optimism and hope. The authors point out the complete negativism with which we here in the United States view aging. How many times have you referred to yourself as having a "senior moment," or told yourself (or others) "I can't remember anything anymore"? Too many times, I'm sure. I've done it, I'm ashamed to say.

Numerous examples are given of the sages of the United States who led full and active lives to the very end. One secret to a long, successful life is revealed in chapter one, "All of the positive role models have one element in common - their lives are organized around a powerful sense of purpose," the authors state. And it seems to be true.

The value of continuing your education is talked about in chapter two. There is even a page that teaches readers the art of juggling. "The researchers found that fifteen minutes of daily juggling practice over the course of three months resulted in a significant increase in the brain's gray matter."

Chapter three discusses exercise - I think we've all heard this before - physical exercise and flexibility keeps us young, but the chapter tells us why this is so. Diet is looked at as is, "Creating a Brain-Enhancing Environment." Research by John Medina, a developmental molecular biologist, shows that a multisensory environment improves memory and learning ability.

The value of having healthy relationships is talked about in chapter six. "Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young," said Benjamin Franklin.... (Another thing I like about this book is the use of positive quotations by well-known people.)

Chapter seven tells us why rest is as important as exercise and diet. Pianist Arthur Schnabel said, "The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes - ah, that is where the art resides." This chapter teaches readers how to rest and recharge. Who can argue that?

Chapter eight, "Liberate Your Mind by Synchronizing Your Brain," offers a free download of an audio program. I'm downloading it as I write this, and it seems to be loading trouble free.

Chapter nine is a brief review of the most important points in the book with a collection of "Top Ten Favorite Last Words."

I like this book most because it is uplifting, positive and encouraging. Ageing does not have to mean deterioration. It can mean leading a more wisdom-filled, active and successful life; something we all can look forward to if we adjust our attitudes. I recommend this book. It really is useful, filled with great information and encouraging words. It would make a wonderful gift to the library of senior centers, retirement homes and even (maybe especially) nursing homes. Read more ›

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brain Power is a terrrific book about how to, quoting its subtitle, Improve Your Mind As You Age. What a great concept! January 1, 2012

By Blaine Greenfield

Format:Paperback

Michael Gelb has long been one of my favorite authors . . . I've read just everything he has written, and his bestselling HOW TO THINK LIKE LEONARDO DA VINCI remains a book that I use in a creativity course that I teach.

His latest effort, BRAIN POWER (New World Library), co-authored with Kelly Howell is a terrific book about how to, quoting its subtitle, IMPROVE YOUR MIND AS YOU AGE.

What a great concept!

And the authors show you how this can be done by presenting many useful suggestions, based on the latest brain research. Perhaps my favorite one is the following:

* Maintain a Positive Attitude about Your Memory

If you ask any elementary school teacher what children forget in the classroom every day, you'll learn that in addition to forgetting facts, they also leave behind all sorts of things: books, pens, iPods, etc. When the teacher reminds fourth grader Jason that he left his baseball cap in the coatroom, she doesn't usually hear "What's the matter with me? I'm eight years old, and my memory is going" or "Gosh, another junior moment!" But after age twenty five or so, many folks begin to focus on any glitch in memory as evidence for its demise. Normal forgetting is catalogued as a "senior moment," and the decline of memory becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."

I also liked this recommendation:

* An attitude of gratitude is relatively easy to cultivate, and a simple gratitude journal is the best way to get started. Take a few minutes every morning to write out a list of things that inspire you to feel grateful. After you compose your list, spend a few seconds focusing on the feeling of gratitude for each thing you've written down.... After you've reviewed your list, just "float" in the feeling of gratitude for a minute or so. Repeat the process in the evening. That's all it takes to get your immune system revved up. Practice this simple gratitude exercise, and you'll discover more grace in your everyday life.

None of the above is necessarily difficult to do . . . but the key is to do something, such as:

* Take the social initiative. Rather than waiting for invitations, take the initiative: invite potential friends for dinner or to a movie, concert, or lecture.

[and} Volunteer. Caring about others is one of surest ways to feel better about yourself. Helping out at a soup kitchen, animal shelter, hospice, or school provides a sense of meaning and purpose that keeps you sharp and more fulfilled.

BRAIN POWER also includes a free downloadable brain sync audio program, designed to balance your brain and optimize mental performance. It is the perfect book to read if you're interested in improving your mind, as well as your life. Read more ›

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Good and Practical February 7, 2012

By Book Fanatic TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

It seems like I've read a thousand of these brain books. I wasn't really expecting that much but I was pleasantly surprised. First of all let me state that there is nothing at all new in this book. This isn't the latest breaking news in brain science. The authors state that there is an enormous amount of information about having a healthy brain available on the Internet and their purpose is to bring the best of it together in one accessible place. To do the filtering for us in other words.

To that goal they succeed admirably. The short sections focused on something particular and practical were enjoyable to read and easy to understand. It seem like they have done an excellent job in researching the best material. This is a practical book that one can put to immediate use. The reason it doesn't get five stars from me is because it didn't grab me or excite me. Perhaps that's because I've read too many of these and I really didn't learn much. However if you are looking for concise, broad, and practical advice to having a great brain into old age, I don't think you can do much better. If so, I can highly recommend this very good book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brain Power, Improve Your Mind as You Age February 15, 2012

By Darlene Marwitz

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Michael Gelb continues to amaze me with his mind and body approach to all he writes. BRAIN POWER, co-authored by Kelly Howell, adds current wisdom but also sage advice from others who have weathered life and faced it headfirst with gusto. What I like best is how the book brings together all the components for best-foot-forward aging, ever-emphasizing the concept of exercising the brain as much as the body. I've been lucky. My own mother retired from teaching at the age of 80 and immediately starting working crossword puzzles and writing a novel, ever seeking new knowledge day by day. Naturally, I sent her a copy of BRAIN POWER at the same time I ordered one for myself. My mother is the person who first introduced me to Mind Maps and we've both been long promoters of Michael Gelb's HOW TO THINK LIKE LEONARDO DA VINCI. Grazie mille, Michael Gelb!