Good interview with Posit Science’s Dr. Michael Merzenich. (Thanks, Steve!)

Includes the quote “People can be active learners by learning in new forms and in new domains. It’s not just being active and getting up every day. The brain is a learning machine, and it needs to be engaged in new learning of different dimensions. The best kinds of exercise are those that challenge. For example, to master a musical instrument at an older age is a wonderful thing. Or, seriously undertaking the mastery of a second language is a wonderful thing to do. One of the problems with such exercises is that it’s very hard to maintain the skills and abilities necessary to maintain a mental fitness program.”

You can read our previous Brain Coach Answers post on why crosswords and sudoku aren’t sufficient brain exercise.