In considering the brain of a healthy individual, the answer to this question has to be affirmative, as the implication of a contrary answer is unthinkable. If new connections are not possible in the adult brain, then learning cannot take place and the individual is doomed to a continuous decline in cognitive ability. From experience we know this not true, as there are many testimonies of people embarking on new hobbies and studies, reaching mastery in certain fields, and leading active lives in later years.

 

It is a also well known fact that after age 60 the brain shrinks through loss of neurons, atrophy, plaque, enlarged ventricles, reduced blood flow, etc. Crystallized intelligence reflects academic and experiential knowledge; plays a role in performance on verbal tests, and does not seem to show a significant decline in old age. Conversely, fluid intelligence which refers to the active processing of information, and is directly affected by a decline in neural function and neurotransmitters, has a substantial influence on the processing of non-verbal tasks in old age. Working memory also shows a decline which affects the processing system, namely information storage and problem solving (Broderick and Blewitt, 2010, p. 426). In the light of these facts it seems prima facie almost impossible that new cognitive change is possible in old age.

 

However, research indicates that older people, when compared to younger adults during magnetic resonance imaging tests, display a different pattern of brain utilization in order to maintain normal brain function. Changes have been noted in the stimulation of different parts of the brain resembling possible over- and under-activation, as well as a employing both sides of the brain compared to a single side in younger adults for solving the same task. This is possibly an indication of the effort of the individual to maintain functioning in problem solving tasks (Broderick and Blewitt, 2010, p. 486). The experience of previous problem solving and neural patterns which may have previously displayed successful results may be accessed in order to complete the task. Attention, memory, and wisdom are possibly applied in order to compete with the faster processing speed of a younger person. Unfortunately, cognitive processing speed is known to decline in older age and has a considerable effect on the speed of mental processes.

 

Even though neurons themselves are fairly stable and cannot change their structure, they form part of neural networks which are highly adaptable. In a study done by Boyke et al. (2008) where young adults and old adults were compared in learning a new skill, namely juggling, it was found that there were only minor differences between the two groups indicating that new learning is possible and grey matter can increase in old age. It was evident that practice was important in order to maintain the skill and the new learning.

 

This has very positive implications for coaching people over 60 years of age. Board members and other senior executives are often in the late adulthood age group due to their vast experience, insight and wisdom. This is also a period of life when changes and decisions are made regarding life satisfaction and the rest of their lives which is ideal for coaching interventions. The implications of being able to coach according to your full potential, instead of diminished capacity has far reaching implications for the coaching industry, as well as for clients. It seems that acquiring new skills are limited only by a willingness to devote time to learning the skill, physical capability and practice, since older adults are indeed capable of new cognitive development. Examples of specific areas for coaching include ways of maximizing the rest of their lives, various decisions regarding their family while they are still alive and after they are gone, succession planning at work or in business, leaving a legacy, planning for leisure, lifestyle, fitness, diet and various other aspects regarding health, and finally, developing new talents or polishing forgotten ones.

 

Personally, it is very encouraging to know that the final stages of a life need not be characterized solely by decline. The more we use our brains, the longer we will be able to maintain brain fitness, the more we keep our bodies healthy by good nutrition and fitness regimes, the longer we will be able to enjoy good mental health. It is further encouraging to know that wisdom seems to accompany old age and as a result, I believe that my coaching skills will continue to improve and will benefit many people across the entire lifespan.