The aging brain

The aging brain: Why getting older just might be awesome

By Amanda Enayati, Special to CNN

June 19, 2012 -- Updated 1511 GMT (2311 HKT)

You can seek out new environments that support your insights and creativity, experts say.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Research details a number of ways in which the brain actually improves with age
• Older people have a greater capacity for empathy because empathy is learned
• An aging brain can better tease out patterns and see the big picture
• We are better able to anticipate problems and reason things out

Editor's note: CNN contributor Amanda Enayati ponders the theme of seeking serenity: the quest for well-being and life balance in stressful times.

(CNN) -- Google "the aging brain" and you will find a largely sobering landscape of cognitive deterioration.

("Funny," said the dashing older gentleman I tried to interview for this piece. "I don't remember being absent-minded.")/.../