> [!tldr] The mental capacity above and beyond "getting by" that saves us when we start a mental decline. Mental declines happen as we get older. One way you can expand the duration of your [[Healthspan vs Lifespan|healthspan]], mentally speaking, is to build up your **cognitive reserve** – that is, the brain power above and beyond what's necessary to simply function as a successful human. This gives you some margin to continue living on once the decline hits. ![[IMG_1664.jpeg]] "Extra good years" means "good years you wouldn't have without the cognitive reserve". **** # More ## Source - [[Eat Your Ice Cream]]