Many people believe that, with the passage of time, our brains become slower, memory fails, and learning new things becomes more difficult. However, today we are going to show you that this doesn’t have to be true. According to Anthony D. Fredericks, a 78-year-old retired professor, makes sure this brain is still clear and active as always. So, let’s find out more about what Fredericks says, shall we?
Anthony D. Fredericks
Fredericks has written more than 175 books on a wide variety of subjects, including science, history, creativity, psychology, and even dinosaurs and baseball. He also spent more than 30 years teaching and worked with over 100 schools across North America.
Even in retirement, Fredericks continues to write, speak, and blog. According to him, the reason his mind remains strong is surprisingly simple: curiosity.
Curiosity is essential for mental health
When we are curious about something, our brain activates and changes its chemistry, which helps us stay mentally alert, flexible and engaged with the world. So, for Fredericks curiosity is the base of a good mental health, mostly as we get older.
It’s not about studying for hours or memorizing difficult data, but about wanting to learn, wondering, and having an open mindset. From this idea, Fredericks explains four simple rules he follows every single day to keep his brain stronger and active. So, let’s have a look at the rules.
Rule 1: accepting what we don’t know
Most of us think that intelligence means knowing all the answers. However, the author says it’s the opposite: mentally active people accept they don’t know everything. So, acknowledging our own ignorance is not something negative, but a way to motivate us to learn more.
Fredericks proposes a very simple exercise: once or twice a week, choose a topic you don’t know anything about and spend 5 or 10 minutes to learn about it. It can be anything, as long as it’s new for you. This is like a simple but constant training for your brain.
Rule 2: open mindset and creativity
Fredericks introduces the idea of divergent thinking, which means thinking beyond one “correct” answer. He explains that many people were trained in school to focus only on facts and correct responses, rather than creative possibilities. However, divergent thinking encourages flexibility, helping your brain explore different paths instead of staying stuck in routine thinking.
So, he suggests asking yourself “What if…?” questions several times a week. These questions don’t need to lead anywhere specific because their purpose is to keep your mind active, playful, and open to new ideas.
Rule 3: awe and wonder
Awe is a feeling of deep wonder or amazement that matters so much. Researchers at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley have found that experiencing awe can increase curiosity and improve overall well-being.
Awe can come from seeing something new, visiting an unfamiliar place, or paying close attention to the world around you. It doesn’t always need to come from dramatic experiences.
For this, Fredericks suggests going somewhere new once or twice a month, even if it’s close to home. Take time to observe, reflect, and write down what you notice. These moments of wonder will help you refresh your mind.
Rule 4: read beyond your comfort zone
Reading is another powerful tool for maintaining mental strength. Fredericks explains that reading only within your field limits your thinking. That’s why his own reading list includes topics far outside education, such as ecology, running, and gardening. This way you are exposing your brain to new ideas and perspectives, encouraging learning and keeping curiosity alive.
He recommends visiting a library and choosing books on topics you’ve never formally studied. Reading just one chapter a day can lead to surprising discoveries and mental growth.
So…
Every new topic you explore, every “what if” question you ask, and every moment of wonder you allow yourself helps keep your mind flexible and alive. No matter your age, your mental strength can keep growing. So what’s the very next question you are going to ask yourself?