Page 70 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

54 • Chapter 2

Interpersonal ___You understand other people very well.
M ___ You often become the leader in any group
you join.
___ Other people tend to come to you for advice.
___ You want to improve the human condition.
___ You work well in a group.
Total: _____

Gardner thinks that we may have several intelligences and
that we have all of them to one extent or another. If your totals
are three or more, that indicates a strength in that intelligence.
With regard to Gardner’s multiple intelligences, maxi-
mize your use of your dominant intelligences. Yet take the
opportunity to develop those that are not your native intel-
ligences. Intelligence is to a great extent learned. Experts still
debate the “nature versus nurture” character of intelligence.
While they debate, read on and see how much you can im-
pact the quality of your intelligences.
We want you to be more aware of the activities of your
marvelously designed brain. Often we don’t appreciate be-
ing able to do something until we no longer can do it well or
not at all. Picture how you felt when you couldn’t breathe
easily the last time you had a stuffy nose.
However, we want you to notice how you go about
learning and what subject areas (intelligences) you prefer to
learn, so that you can appreciate your mind, right now, and
begin to exercise the various abilities of your brain.
The discussions regarding the various types of intelli-
gences show that different parts of the brain are used for dif-
ferent functioning requirements. Some areas of your brain
are stronger than others due to use. Remember as you use
specific areas of your brain and they receive stimulation
from the outside world, axons and dendrites in those areas
are created and enlarged. But notice that if you exercise one
of your skills, you still may be weak in other areas. That
makes sense. If you are bench pressing weights to strengthen
your arms and back, you will not be strengthening your legs.
You need to exercise all areas of your body and so you also