|
The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life | 
 enlarge | Author: M.d., Ph.d., Gene D. Cohen
Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
Category: Book
List Price: $17.95
Buy New: $8.00
You Save: $9.95 (55%)
New (24) Used (13) Collectible (2) from $6.74
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 44931
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.1
ISBN: 0380800713
Dewey Decimal Number: 305.244
EAN: 9780380800711
ASIN: 0380800713
Publication Date: February 1, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Also Available In:
|
| Accessories:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
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.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 Yes, creativity is important April 15, 2007
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
The author emphasizes creativity as an important part of growing old but does a poor job of guiding the reader in terms of what they might do to awaken "human potential in the second half of life." I expected a less vague, more concrete set of guidelines rather than an anectodal review of the author's previous patient loads. Psychotherapy can help everyone (duh!) but the author takes that premise and builds a book that purports to target the special problems of the aged. It isn't really that selective and could apply to nearly everyone. The author's experiences are somewhat enlightening but become excessively autobiographical by the end of the book.
 One of the best on the subject of aging well.... March 20, 2006
18 out of 18 found this review helpful
Was perplexed by a negative review of this book, so I wanted to find out, firsthand what the author really said and I am so glad I did. Nowhere does the author chastises older people who try to take care of their health. Just the opposite.
Not only does the author have fifty year old plus folks on the cover, kayaking, swimming, painting etc but on page 188 he writes of 'More on the Effects of Creativity on Health' . Heck the whole book is about embracing the second half of life and taking personal responsibility for making needed changes so that you live to one hundred and do so eating healthy, interacting with others, becoming involved in ones community etc etc etc.
On page 10-11 , the author notes that studies of aging people and in my work with them, four aspects of creativity stand out:
1) Creativity strengthens our morale in later life 2) Creativity contributes to physical health as we age 3) Creativity enriches relationships 4) Creativity is our greatest legacy. That 'Increasing numbers of preliminary findings from psychoneuroimmunological studies-research that examines the interaction of our emotions, our brain function, and our immune system-suggest that a positive out look and a sense of well being have a beneficial effect on the functioning of our immune system and our overall health' These findings are particularly strong among older persons.'
The many examples of famous and everyday folk who have been or become creative after age fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty are empowering. In Chapter 9 titled Creativity us Everyday Life: Letting It Start with You,' the author gives some excellent examples of how as the quote he gives from Lao Tsu notes 'The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step'., and how we do have the choice to think outside the box, and live life to the fullest. And that we need to make the effort to get involved in a variety of activities that will stimulate the mind from different directions. Be it painting, reading more, walking more, volunteering more. Anything that will stimulate the brain which in turn will stimulate the rest of the body.
I am so impressed with the book I am buying a copy for a physician friend as well as the library over at hospice, where our widow/widowers group meets.
The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life March 20, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This "easy-read" book offers both professional and lay people alike a very refreshing and encouraging perspective on maturity. When coupled with a gentle sense of spirituality and wisdom which comes from life experience, it should help the reader to establish and reinforce a sense of purpose and resilience that engenders hope and creativity unimagined by most youth. This book is to become a part of my professional counseling practice for senior patients to read and discuss as they search for a deeper meaning and ultimate purpose in their lives. In a sense, I anticipate it will help to set the stage for welcoming passions of an existential nature, heretofore unknown in many individual's lives.
A gift to midlifers! May 25, 2005
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
If ever there was any question about our ability to make meaningful contributions at midlife, this book will dispell all doubt! I found the continual notes (on the outer edges of the pages) encouraging, as they documented the multiple contributions made by individuals of "advanced" years. This is absolutely exciting, and gives me hope for the future!
 A book that perpetuates aging stereotypes August 24, 2000
23 out of 60 found this review helpful
The book perpetuates harmful stereotypes about aging. Cohen chastises older people who try to take care of their health. He claims that they are searching in vain for a "magic bullet" to regain their youth. Cohen then advocates a false mind/body dualism. Through this dualism, one gives up taking care of their body in order to follow their creativity. I honor the author's belief in the importance of creativity; however, I believe that the approach presented is self-defeating.
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| |
