Why Its Time To Change Our Minds About Ageing

Research might suggest 70 is the new 50. But that doesn’t mean we should sit back and stagnate. Meet new people, try new things and avoid routine to stay sharp, say the authors of a fascinating book on what’s really driving our thoughts

- Miriam Frankel and Matt Warren

GIVEN they’re all now in their 70s, the lyrics of Abba’s recent hit, Don’t Shut Me Down, are remarkably poignant, and even empowering: “And I’m asking you to have an open mind; I’m not the same this time around; I’m fired up… don’t shut me down.” The Swedish supergroup, still selling millions of records after half a century, exemplifies why it’s a huge mistake to write off older people. Perhaps, they aren’t the same “this time around”, but they’re still “fired up”, ready to take on the world.

Their only fear? Being “shut down” by society’s rampant ageism. Whether a threat to them or not, ageism remains deeply concerning to many older Britons.

It isn’t just a prejudice against wrinkles and grey hair. Some of us assume our older peers are bad at thinking: slow, forgetful, and closed-minded.

We should all challenge these damaging stereotypes. After all, growing older happens to us all. It’s as certain as death and taxes.

But is it really true people think less well as they grow older?

This is one of the key questions we investigate in our new book, Are You Thinking Clearly? which delves into the many factors – from gut bacteria to advertising, technology and habits, culture and language – that influence and manipulate the way we think and feel.

IT IS true our thinking changes in complex ways as we age – some helpful, others not. But the good news is that we can nurture our cognitive abilities as we age and transform our experiences into a deep, insightful wisdom.