Middle-age Brain

The Advantages of the Middle-Age Brain

Despite news reports about cognitive decline starting at 45, the middle-age brain actually performs better in other ways

By PATRICIA COHEN | @patcohennyt | January 10, 2012 | 

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A study in the British Medical Journal lit up the Internet last week with the conclusion that cognitive decline begins at age 45. While it’s true that some innate skills like memory and speed of reasoning fall off as we age, other aspects of intelligence related to learning and experience actually improve.

These findings are part of a wave of new research on the psychology and neuroscience of middle age. Like Baby Boomers before them, Gen Xers are learning that entering middle age often means getting squeezed between the demands of raising children, holding down a job and taking care of aging parents. But despite the high levels of stress, people in their 40s, 50s and early 60s generally have a happier outlook than their younger counterparts. They feel more competent and in control — that they can personally take steps to influence what happens in their life. They are also less neurotic, more open, reflective and flexible./.../