Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy To Glenn, my father, the ubiquitous thaumaturgist and To Keith, for his unwavering devotion and support. Kathleen To my husband Lew, daughter Shara, and mother Virginia. and To God, through whom all things are possible. Kathryn Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy Kathryn C. Wetzel, PhD Kathleen M. Harmeyer, MS Notice to the Reader Publisher does not warrant or guarantee any of the products described herein or per- form any independent analysis in connection with any of the product information contained herein. Publisher does not assume, and expressly disclaims, any obligation to obtain and include information other than that provided to it by the manufacturer. The reader is expressly warned to consider and adopt all safety precautions that might be indicated by the activities herein and to avoid all potential haz- ards. 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Leonard Production Coordinator: James Zayicek Art/Design Coordinator: Jay Purcell Cover Design: Jay Purcell Copyright © 2000 Delmar is a division of Thomson Learning. The Thomson Learning logo is a registered trademark used herein under license. Printed in Canada 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 x x x 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 For more information, contact Delmar, 3 Columbia Circle, P.O. Box 15015, Al- bany, NY12212—0515; or find us on the Web at http://www.delmar.com All rights reserved Thomson Learning © 2000.The text of this publication, or any part thereof, may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an infor- mation-retrieval system, or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher. You can request permission to use material from this text through the follow- ing phone and fax numbers. Phone: 800—730—2214; Fax 800—730—2215; or visit our Web site at http://www.thomsonrights.com Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Wetzel, Kathryn C. Mind games: the aging brain and how to keep it healthy / by Kathryn C. Wetzel and Kathleen M. Harmeyer. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-7668-1280-4 1. Cognition—Age factors. 2. Memory—Age factors. 3. Human informa- tion processing—Age factors. 4. Aging—Psychological aspects. I. Harmeyer, Kathleen M. II. Title. BF724.55.C63 W48 1999 155.67'13—dc21 99-39159 Contents Preface Attention All People Over 40! ix Chapter 1 The Learning Styles of an Agile Mind Discover How You Capture, Select and Store Information 1 Capturing Information 2 Making Memories 3 Learning Styles 4 Learning-Style Investigation 8 Learning-Style Investigation Results 11 Using Learning Styles 13 Conclusion 19 References 19 Chapter 2 The Intelligent Mind Find Out How Your Brain Processes Information 21 General Development Of The Brain 23 Multiple Intelligences 34 Memory 49 Multiple Intelligences Investigation 51 Seek And Find Puzzle 56 Self-Quiz 57 References 59 Chapter 3 Teach Your Brain Agility Engineer Your Own Learning 63 Environmental Effects 64 Emotional Effects 69 Social Effects 70 Gender Differences 72 Self-Quiz 73 References 77 Chapter 4 Develop a Brawny Brain Build a Mental Agility Exercise Program 79 Information Processing 82 Information-Processing Preassessment 83 v vi • Contents Distractions And Attention 85 Information-Storing Preferences 90 Information-Retrieval Strategies 103 Preparing For Your Information- Processing Postassessment 115 Information-Processing Postassessment 117 Solutions to Exercises and Games 121 References 124 Chapter 5 Support the Aging Brain Orchestrate the Interplay Between Mind and Body 125 Facts About Aging Quiz 125 Physical Aspects Of Aging 129 Psychological Aspects Of Aging 144 Cognitive Aspects Of Aging 146 Self-Quiz 149 References 151 Chapter 6 Regain an Agile Brain Implement Personalized Techniques to Redesign Your Aging Process 153 Research Results 154 Rhythms Of Your Brain 157 Resting Your Brain 164 Feeding Your Brain 173 Exercising Your Brain 179 Feeling With Your Brain 187 Protecting Your Brain 194 Conclusion 202 Self-Quiz 203 References 205 Chapter 7 Enjoy Your Ageless Mental Agility Game Your Way to Ageless Mental Agility 207 The Big Payoff 208 Mental Agility Pretest 219 Mental Agility Exercises 221 Contents • vii Spatial Relationships 230 Anagrams And Anagramps 235 Crossword Puzzle 239 Word Fit! AFill-In Puzzle 242 Word Up! 244 Mind Matches 244 The Calendar 245 The House That Jack Built 250 Boxer Rebellion 254 Tool Schools 256 So I Says... 257 Nine-Dot Problem 259 Glutton 260 Figure And Ground 260 Nim Golf 262 Math Magic 262 Mental Agility Posttest 263 Play Wordsmith 265 Magic Mental Minutes 266 Amazing Mazes 270 Conclusion 280 Answers 280 References 290 Epilogue Maintain Your Brain 291 Appendix A Annotated List of Learning Opportunities for Senior Citizens 295 Older Adult Service And Information System (Oasis) 295 Elderhostel 296 Lifelong Learning In The USA 297 Addresses For Agencies Providing Lifelong Learning Opportunities 307 References 312 Appendix B Resources for Brain Development 313 Books 313 Periodicals 315 viii • Contents Videotapes 317 Catalogs 318 Screening Tests 319 Appendix C Using the Web for Lifelong Learning 321 References 328 Index 329 Note: According to D. Warner Schaie, while minor memory lapses and some slowing of mental processes are normal aspects of the aging process, in some people they could be early signs of depression or dementia. Individuals who have serious concerns about memory losses or losses in other cognitive skills should seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. PREFACE Attention All People Over 40! WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK Regardless of your age, have you ever experienced what may be affectionately described as “senior moments?” For exam- ple, have you • Checked three or four times to make sure that the same appliance is turned off before you leave home? • Tried to use a word in your conversation that you know you know but cannot recall? • Walked up and down the parking lot looking for your car, with the grocery sacker tagging along behind? • Forgotten someone’s name you just met, even though you were rehearsing it while you were walking away? • Had someone tell you that you do not correctly remem- ber what he or she told you? ix