When you’re looking up neuroplasticity, you may have heard about how it is much higher in the brains of children than adults. And as we’ve seen both in scientific research and the direct experience of many parents, it goes to show why children are so impressionable.
But on the other hand, this should not quickly lead people to assume that adult brains are somehow set in stone. True, there is less neuroplasticity in fully developed brains but that is never enough to say there is none at all. Because if the brain really was so static, rigid and unchanging, people in older generations would not even be able to learn a single new word or remember the last thing they ate!
There are a number of other factors that make neuroplasticity principles highly applicable regardless of age. We may find it more challenging to learn new things as we grow older, but that is never the same as saying the learning is impossible. If you want to see for yourself just how you are directly experiencing your own brain’s neuroplasticity, look to memories in your adult life that fit under these categories.
Love them or hate them, our work routines grow and change with us as we age. (In fact, it’s been said that changing routines is also great brain exercise!) And no matter how old you are, or how long you have been in the same job for twenty or thirty years, it would be impossible to say nothing has changed in a very literal sense.
Your place of work could have changed. New skills and technologies could have been adopted in your office. You would have encountered new faces or new colleagues. All of this would have required your brain to adapt itself in order to better process, remember and ultimately lead you towards meeting your daily goal.
In fact, did you know that some research has found more people over 30 have been switching careers? Imagine how their brains have still managed to adjust to accommodate the knowledge, new environments and new routines. So, if you’ve ever had experienced such changes in your own work experience, then you can be sure your brain has significantly transformed itself to help!
Do you remember the amygdala? It’s more or less the part of the brain that reacts when we are experiencing emotions. It is also one of the parts that’s been observed to change greatly during intense emotional experiences. For the most part though, this was initially discovered as an explanation to why childhood lessons, memories and habits stay with us well into adulthood.
What is less acknowledged is that these changes can still occur even in fully grown adults! If you’re still not sure, consider that some researchers have observed astounding changes in the amygdala among first-time mothers.
Likewise, if you remember something of great emotional significance in your adult years, it should not surprise you that your brain has already changed itself to accommodate the emotions you connect with that memory. If neuroplasticity truly stopped at maturity, you wouldn’t be able to feel anything from remembering that awesome Christmas party, or the first time you met the person who eventually became your life partner.
No doubt you may have heard many stories of people in advanced age still finding success in pursuing an artistic passion, or hobbies (like famed American artist Grandma Moses). In reality, however, it shouldn’t be surprising!
Adult neuroplasticity goes a long way to explain how even older people can eventually develop new skills and talents despite the limits of their age. Sure, it may take a lot of time, patience and practice but that dedication is ultimately rewarded by the fact the brain can still change to accommodate further study.
In fact, even those who are passionate about academic pursuits like science, archaeology and mathematics will always be challenged with new data, new ways of thinking and new tools to further enhance their respective disciplines. How can the brain not alter itself to absorb new knowledge?
All in all, the case for neuroplasticity in adults is strong even if it is not easily as observable or repeatable as it was in younger minds. That’s why you should never hesitate to try something new, or change old habits. Your brain can easily accommodate if you practice enough!
If you need any advice or support, then know that we at the Australian Tomatis Method are still here to help you. Please reach out if you need to, either by email at info@tomatis.com.au or by phone to Francoise at 0414 444 915.
Official Representative of Tomatis Developpement SA in Australia, Asia and South Pacific, Director of the Australian Tomatis® Method, Registered Psychologist, Certified Tomatis® Consultant Senior, Tomatis® International Trainer and Speaker, Co-author of the Listening Journey Series, 40 Years of Experience, Neurodiversity Speaker
