Although brain training software or websites offer many exciting possibilities for a rapidly aging country, we nevertheless need to be watchful for the signposts of ageism. Sometimes marketing for these products implies that a youthful brain is qualitatively better than an aging brain. Not only is this ageist, it's untrue. Some of the nation's most respected pundits about aging -- Dr. Bill Thomas, Dr. Gene Cohen and the late Betty Friedan -- all provide convincing evidence and arguments in favor of the positive influences of normal aging on cognitive functions. Once upon a time we called it wisdom. Let's not forget this as Boomers begin to explore brain fitness. Let's not denigrate aging brains with technology "facelifts" for the mind. Brain training can serve a very positive role in improving short-term memory and for life enhancement, but not for alleged pathology mitigation. Please take a look at my prior post for more background on this important topic.
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