76). Another distortion is that older individuals always remember the past, but have difficulty with short-term memory. Restak stresses that it is normal that people's memories do decline somewhat with aging, but this does not involve losing present memories in place of those in the past (pg. 84). The reason some stereotypes develop such as this, he notes, is because stress, anxiety and depression can negatively impact memory. Physical changes, such as those in vision and hearing, may also have an impact on memory formation. The bottom line: Everyone over 50 is going to have some difficulty remembering as much as they did when younger. Yet, according to psychologist Marilyn Albert, this situation can be rectified. Improvement in memory performance when aging can come through six steps: paying attention to what is being learned; making learning conscious and deliberate; making that must be remembered more interesting, more connected and more meaningful; pacing memorization efforts; using memory aids, and being consistent in how these aids are used (pg. 95).

Robust aging can be accomplished by most people, unless they are suffering from a serious mental or physical illness. Continued education is the best prescription, as well as strenuous exercise, enhanced lung function and self-efficacy (pg. 119).

In fact, even illnesses that hamper mental functioning are starting to being...

For example, as doctors increasingly realize that depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand with aging, more elderly individuals will be given antidepressants, so they do not become unable to function or suicidal. Similarly, as the warning signs of strokes become more noticeable, they will be stopped before having a major effect on health and well-being. Also, doctors will help people more with other problems that lower mental performance, such as sleep deprivation, alcohol abuse and anxiety. More will be known about memory aids and chemicals that can improve memory and cognition.
In the meantime, older individuals can follow a regiment that helps them "keep young of brain," including keeping physically active, reducing stress, continuing to work, being curious and asking questions, napping, not fretting about minor memory losses, stimulating the brain, keeping a diary of daily activities, enjoying friendships, seeking out sensory stimulation, keeping a sense of humor, following a good diet, and remembering moderation in all that they do.

This book was written in 1997, so much of this information has been covered a number of times. However, it is always good to remind people -- both young and not so young -- that stereotypes abound and that there are always many exceptions to the rule, especially with the brain and aging process.