Wisdom and the Aging Brain
Research Question: Are all older people wise?
Introduction
“She is wise beyond her years.” We have all heard this said about a young person. But is age the determining factor which makes someone wise, or could it be something else entirely? Moody and Sasser (2015) define wisdom as crystalized intelligence, or “the acquisition of practical experience in everyday life” (p. 98). It is important to understand the nature of wisdom and what it means to be wise. Chronological older age, while allowing for more experience, knowledge and decision making opportunities, does not irrefutably identify an individual as someone who is wise.
The Importance of Wisdom
Wisdom is not a gift that comes naturally with older age and experience, for not every older person is wise. Charles Dickens once said “There is wisdom of the head and wisdom of the heart” (Cozolino, 2008, p.132). Eastern cultures understand wisdom as the promoting of social harmony by controlling passions and thoughts. Western belief states that wisdom includes codes of behavior, good advice and the understanding of the …show more content…
We all need to apply our lessons learned to be fully content and satisfied with life. When we refuse to give in to these (lessons) we miss out on the fruits of our labor, and continue to live for self instead of for the common good (Moody & Sasser, 2015, p. 125).
Wiser people are happier people. They have the capability to reflect on life and their experiences, and to share these reflections with others. People who are not wise lack the proper coping skills needed to see the meaning in all that they do, and do not accurately understand reality. These individuals tend to deal with problems emotionally without focusing on solutions. Wise people on the other hand engage more actively in life, understanding that there is meaning in their life and purpose for living (Etezadi & Pushkar,
Research Question: Are all older people wise?
Introduction
“She is wise beyond her years.” We have all heard this said about a young person. But is age the determining factor which makes someone wise, or could it be something else entirely? Moody and Sasser (2015) define wisdom as crystalized intelligence, or “the acquisition of practical experience in everyday life” (p. 98). It is important to understand the nature of wisdom and what it means to be wise. Chronological older age, while allowing for more experience, knowledge and decision making opportunities, does not irrefutably identify an individual as someone who is wise.
The Importance of Wisdom
Wisdom is not a gift that comes naturally with older age and experience, for not every older person is wise. Charles Dickens once said “There is wisdom of the head and wisdom of the heart” (Cozolino, 2008, p.132). Eastern cultures understand wisdom as the promoting of social harmony by controlling passions and thoughts. Western belief states that wisdom includes codes of behavior, good advice and the understanding of the …show more content…
We all need to apply our lessons learned to be fully content and satisfied with life. When we refuse to give in to these (lessons) we miss out on the fruits of our labor, and continue to live for self instead of for the common good (Moody & Sasser, 2015, p. 125).
Wiser people are happier people. They have the capability to reflect on life and their experiences, and to share these reflections with others. People who are not wise lack the proper coping skills needed to see the meaning in all that they do, and do not accurately understand reality. These individuals tend to deal with problems emotionally without focusing on solutions. Wise people on the other hand engage more actively in life, understanding that there is meaning in their life and purpose for living (Etezadi & Pushkar,