The Creative Age

by Cohen, Gene D.

• ISBN13: 9780380800711
• ISBN10: 0380800713
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-01-01
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

In a single generation, the view of life after fifty has changed dramatically. Today's society is shaped by unprecedented growth in the number of people living in their "golden years", shifting patterns of work and home life, and advances in health care that offer the promise of longer, more active lives. In this fascinating, life-affirming book, Dr. Gene Cohen debunks harmful myths about aging and illuminates the biological and emotional foundations of creativity. He shoes how the unique combination of age, experience, and creativity can produce exciting inner growth and infinite potential for everyone. Interweaving history, scientific research, inspiring true-life stories, and his own fresh insights, Dr. Cohen takes us into the previously uncharted territory of human potential in the "second half" of life. Discover the owners of the Creative Age: We can actually increase the number of essential connections among brain cells including those for memory and response. Many sleep and mood disorders can be eliminated by stimulating the brain; sleep problems are not an inevitable part of aging or decline in brain function Vocabulary expands well into the eighties among people who continue to challenge themselves intellectually through reading, writing, and word games -- having difficulty finding the right word is not inevitable Capitalizing on our creativity, and having a positive outlook and sense of well-being, boosts our immune systems.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(9)
The Flames of Creativity	9	(30)
Biology and Mystery: The Inside Story of Creativity and Aging	39	(28)
Transition and Transformation: Creativity Across Our Changing Inner Landscape	67	(48)
The ``When'' of Creativity: Opportunities That Change with Age	115	(22)
Creative Growth and Expression in the Context of Relationship	137	(36)
Creativity in Response to Adversity	173	(28)
Creativity and Community: Bridging the Generations	201	(32)
Identity and Autobiography: Life as a Work in Progress	233	(26)
Creativity in Everyday Life: Letting It Start with You	259	(100)
Part I: Everyday Activities	259	(24)
Part II: Special Projects	283	(16)
Conclusion: Toward the Future	299	(12)
Appendices
A: Why Do We Age? Biology's Creative Mystery	311	(10)
B: Historical Quests to Reverse the Effects of Aging	321	(18)
C: Creating an Autobiography: My Personal Approach	339	(10)
D: Internet and Other Resources	349	(10)
Bibliography	359	(8)
Index	367