A collection of poems and short stories that promote brain exercise and creative thinking for older adults is the latest book written by UW–Madison professor emeritus Richard Smith.
Smith retired in 1990 from the School of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and in the last ten years has been the author of numerous books including: “Life After Eighty,” “Once Upon A Christmas,” “Musings of an Old Man,” and “Tales from a Twilight House.” Smith also earned his doctorate from UW–Madison in 1967.
In his newest title, “Brain Exercises for Older Adults,” Smith suggests ways that readers can place themselves into his stories and asks them how they perceive characters and react to plot twists.
“Your responses can cause you to stretch your cognitive muscles and give your brain the exercise it needs to stay sharp,” Smith says. “Then you should find yourself applying creative thinking to much of the other material you read.”
Smith’s stories are based on his recollections of historic events such as the Great Depression and World War II; relationships with family, friends, and colorful characters he’s encountered in his 91-year lifetime; and societal and technological changes in a world that seems to move too fast.
“Brain Exercises for Older Adults” is published by The Peppertree Press.