All of us have our “senior moments,” forgetting a name or where we put the shopping list, and society is usually only too happy to treat an aging person’s lapses with forbearance—make that condescension. Now along comes Gene B. Cohen, author of The Mature Mind, offering hope to sufferers of…no, no, I’m thinking of that drug commercial…with some clearly-explained science, amusing anecdotes, and sound advice and encouragement for those of us who are hoping for at least 30 more twilight years. I was surprised at his list of pastimes which are most associated with arresting cognitive decline. Along with the expected reading and doing puzzles were specific physical activities such as dancing, and ways of living such as maintaining a vibrant social network. In other words, don’t just read, but join a book club that meets regularly; don’t just listen to music, but move to it. I learned how the brain changes when people are demonstrating wisdom and vision as opposed to simply knowing a lot. Cohen is convincing on topics such as the continuous creation of brain cells, the way older people integrate and use both hemispheres of the brain, and the processes of summing up, evaluating, setting priorities for late-life accomplishments, and leaving a legacy. I feel lucky to have the stress-free leisure, good health, and enough money to pursue all the interests I have developed or renewed since retirement. There’s no time to lose! [This is a picture of my mother on her porch. She reads faster than I’ve ever been able to and actually remembers everything she learned in college.]