L&D 2020: Shaping change in learning

Brain & Mind

Cognitive fitness

The UK government has recently announced an increase in the retirement age. This change has come about due to the increasing cost of pension provision and reduction of young people entering the workforce. Added to this, many people over the age of 65 are fit enough to work and wish to continue, albeit in a part-time capacity.

In spite of the widespread belief that mental capabilities inevitably deteriorate as we age, some people over 60 still demonstrate keen mental facilities. As a result of earlier scientific findings, many individuals know how to maintain their cognitive fitness – the ability to reason, remember, learn, plan, and adapt.

By adopting the earlier theories of Gilkey and Kilts¹, executives are practicing specific techniques to stimulate development of new brain cells and neural networks.

1. Use indirect experiences such as observation or simulations
Most people recognise that direct experience is key to enhancing mental capacity. But Gilkey and Kilts explained that the brain has specialised nerve cells enabling a person to form new neural networks through indirect experiences. Observation, simulations and case studies, for example, accelerate learning and present fresh perspectives that enhance informed decision making.

2. Engage in play
Play engages the prefrontal cortex, responsible for high-level cognitive functions such as memory and mental imagery. But people need to take part in activities that involve risk because it alerts the brain and activates reasoning and imagination capacities. Companies support bridge, chess and Sudoku championships, which all provide rigorous neural workouts.

3. Search for patterns in seemingly unrelated fields of endeavour
Executives are encouraged to improve their pattern recognition by expanding their mindset – for example visiting new places and listening to different viewpoints.

4. Seek novel experiences
Because novel experiences stimulate the brain to generate the new knowledge needed for pattern recognition, companies support executives in challenging activities such as learning a new language, painting or taking lessons on a musical instrument they have never played before.

Companies have adopted new practices in line with these research findings to enhance employee cognitive fitness. Organisations are promoting ‘brain-positive’ cultures by encouraging employees to individually apply these four brain fitness practices.

1. Cognitive fitness, Gilkey and Kilts, Harvard Business Review November, 2007

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