Editor’s Note: Dr. Cohen passed away in 2009 at the age of 65 from metastatic prostate cancer.  Dr. Cohen was instrumental in shifting  the emphasis in gerontological research from the problems of people as they age to their potential

 Gene D. Cohen, a pioneer in the field of geriatric psychiatry who helped shift the emphasis in gerontological research from the problems of people as they age to their potential, died Saturday at his home in Kensington, Md. He was 65.

The cause was metastatic prostate cancer,

Looking for the secret to a long and vibrant life? One of the world’s top aging experts says you won’t find it in a bottle.

Dr. Gene Cohen is a gerontologist, psychologist, and author of more than 150 books and publications on aging, and he says he’s discovered that the best way to be physically healthy is to be mentally creative.

Mastering a new skill can ward off dementia and even help fight cancer, Cohen says. Creative fitness may be the best preventative measure discovered so far.

Cohen, who is the former president of the Gerontological Society of America and the former director of the National Institute on Aging, has just launched a new public education program on aging aimed at the young called SEA Change.

He explains how he thinks his program can change aging in this country and why he’s so passionate about the Creativity Discovery Corps.