5 Great Things About Growing Old

Wise Decisions Will Come More Easily

Scientists used to think that we lose a significant number of our brain cells as we age, but more sophisticated scans have debunked that theory. We now know that we hit our cognitive peak between the ages of 40 and 68. Through the years, our brains build up connections and recognize patterns—meaning we’re better problem-solvers and can more quickly get the gist of an argument. It’s the reason why judges and presidents tend to be middle-aged or older, and why Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger was able to land that airplane on the Hudson River. Older brains can swiftly make the right calls.

Barbara Strauch, 59, is the science editor of the New York Times and the author of The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain ($27, amazon.com).