The great news is that you have infinite power to change and refine your brain. A few decades back, cientists thought that people could have very little influence over their brains. It was assumed that by the time people reached adulthood their brain connections were permanently and indelibly in place. In childhood, one might be able to exert some influence over the development of the brain, but for the most part these things were genetically determined. It was thought that the old adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” was literally true.
More recently, scientists have discovered that the opposite is true. There is a quality to the brain called neuroplasticity that allows you, right up to the end of your life, to restructure and adapt your brain according to your needs. You can learn new things and adapt to new environments, even in extreme old age.
You may protest that the “old dog” does seem a little resistant to “new tricks.” Common experience would suggestthat young children learn and adapt more quickly than adults, especially older adults.
This is, in fact, often the case, but I would suggest that it is partly a matter of choice, rather than a predetermined trait of the brain. There may indeed be some biological barriers to overcome as we get older. The brain’s connections do become denser and slower as we fill the brain with the experiences
and knowledge of a lifetime. However, most people lose a great deal of their neuroplasticity simply because they choose not to use it. For that reason, I encourage you to use and challenge your brain as much as possible. You will find that, in the end, developing your brain is the same as leading a vital, fulfilling lifestyle.
From the Book ” Brain management” by ilchi lee