Sensation, Perception, and the Aging Process

By: Francis B. Colavita, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Francis B. Colavita

Why is it that we react to the world the way we do, not only in ways similar to other people, but in ways often dramatically different, as well, no matter which of our senses is involved? And how is it that the physically adventurous young person you remember being - whose greatest passion was riding the scariest roller coaster imaginable - somehow grew into an adult whose stomach begins to churn nervously at even the thought of such a ride? The answer, of course, is that each of us - whether a different person or a more recent model of ourselves - isn't reacting to the same world at all. For though the physical world we occupy may be identical, the reality we experience is very different.

The truth is, our various sensory systems can be altered over time, their acuity changing in response to aging or injury, life experiences, evolving personalities, and other factors. And in this series of 24 fascinating lectures, an acclaimed teacher and psychologist gives you a bio-psychological perspective on both the way we humans navigate and react to the world around us and an understanding of the ways in which that process is ever-changing.

Rich in science, potent examples, and anecdotes, the lectures explore subjects like how we see, hear, smell, taste, or touch; keep our balance, and understand exactly where we are in space. You'll learn about motor memory, the ways in which our bodies process pain, and even why our taste in food changes over time.

Whether exploring the complex structures of the brain or inner ear, or using humorous personal stories to illustrate a point, Professor Colavita delivers a course that informs, entertains, and even prepares us for the changes that lie ahead.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2006 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2006 The Great Courses

Brain short circuits and how the mind works.

If you could sum up Sensation, Perception, and the Aging Process in three words, what would they be?

thorough, descriptive, precise.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

Any additional comments?

My only major complaint was the British pronunciations of medical terms quite distracting.

Too many anecdotes

If a never ending series of personal anecdotes is how you like to receive your scientific information, then this course is for you.
Nearly every data point is immediately followed by, “in 1964 I took a road trip ……. therefore that shows that this is true”
Also, this was recorded in 2006, some of the data points mentioned have been refuted recently or proven wrong

Earth man

In knowing how our perceptions are created, there is a more intimate relationship between gravity, matter, perception and our mind. An organism innate of the planet earth.

Structured and fun, great as an audiobook

I wish every class I take is lectured by professor Colavita. An enthusiastic and fun person that makes me excited about the course. I learned a lot of new information in an intuitive way.

a book everyone should own

as a tbi survivor, this material helped me understand why I am who I am now........

Brilliant

Wonderful speaker amazing facts

Humour, science and learning mix very well here

I encourage every one to listen to it

Entertaining and informative

Personal experiences and practical examples used made the material easily digestible. I smiled throughout because the professors sense of humor was relatable. I will review the PDF to refresh my memory in the future.

Pleasantly Surprised

I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this lecture more than I thought I would. It was both informative and fun. I recommend it.

Another Excellent Selection...

of lecture series in the Great Courses collection! In the past month and a half, I have listened to a dozen Great Courses lecture series on the brain, perception, sleep and memory (see my other reviews here), and I have to first say that the information in these series have dovetailed wonderfully well, and, taken together, provide a broad picture of our mental workings and the physicality behind it all. Francis Colavita's Sensation, Perception And The Aging Process provides a great follow-up to everything I have listened to in this vein thus far. Colavita develops the course thusly: 1) he discusses in depth what perception is and how our senses work to collect data from outside stimuli 2) he explores how the brain processes these perceived stimuli to make sense (pun intended) of the world and shape our internal reality 3) then he shows how the aging process affects these processes. My graduate and undergraduate degrees are in the Humanities, but I have a minor degree in physiological psychology and have spent more than a quarter of a century doing research in the developing arenas of neurological psychology, and I can assure any Audible customer that the information provided in these lecture series is remarkably up-to-date, correct and scientifically sound. I am exceedingly impressed with the level of university lecturers that deliver these lectures and the quality and educative value of each and every one.

perceptions and aging

I had hoped there would have been more information specific to changing of preceptions due to aging.