Francis, Ray (rfrancis@LSIJAX.COM)
Fri, 9 Apr 1999 11:35:17 -0400
From: "Francis, Ray" <rfrancis@LSIJAX.COM> Subject: RE: Technology barriers to older adults Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 11:35:17 -0400
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Mary Harrsch wrote:
> I was also concerned about a statement in the report that seemed to
> contradict what I had recently read in an article about the capacity
> of older adults to learn:
>
> "the difficulty of learning new things or returning to a course of
> study after many years of absence from learning activities;
> seniors are "out of practice" for learning; furthermore, the capacity
> to learn decreases with age (note that the ability
> to learn merely decreases with disuse)"
>
> I wish I could remember where I had read a recent study about brain
> function in older adults but I do remember that it said, contrary to
> conventional thought, with proper diet and "brain exercise", an older
> adult can continue to learn as ably as adults in other age groups.
> Are there any physiologists out there that could shed some light on
> this issue?
>
> If any of you are interested the complete report is located at:
> http://node.on.ca/forums/olderadults/report.html
The statement, "the capacity to learn decreases with age," is, at BEST,
depressing to those of us in middle age eagerly awaiting retirement. I
see my retirement (15-20 years away) as the period of my life that will
allow me the time to do just that; LEARN! Learn and experience those
things that I just don't have time to do now. Does this mean that even
barring a medically based mental incapacity, that I can expect to
"mentally wither away."
Having read the full report via Mary's link, with Mary, I want a
"second" opinion.
Note: My experiences with my parents (a 71 year old "cybergeek" (Mom)
and a 75 year old "I can do it faster on paper" (Dad)) confirm most of
"the NODE's" findings.
Ray sends...
Ray Francis
Division Manager, LSI
1-800-759-0953 X2616
rfrancis@lsijax.com
>
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