Could Anand reverse brain aging and get an edge in the world chess championship

That last line, "That time is almost here", is definitely the good word of hope.

Anand needs to hack his brain to achieve chess success:

Yes, Tower of Joseph, there is cause for hope indeed. I think there will soon be superhuman chess players who will decline cognitively little as they age. Meanwhile they will accumulate years of experience that they can bring to bear as they consider positions. Games of the future will be at a whole different level and it may not matter that much whether you are 25 or 85.

Other as aspects of health will show similar resilience -- everything from skin quality to heart function.

The world championship has come and gone and to tell you the truth, I wish that my predictions that Anand's play would suffer from age-related demise had turned out to be wrong. It would be nice if Anand won the match and proved that just hard work and talent was all that was needed for a 43-year old to prevail over someone half their age. Regrettably Anand showed his age and made blunders in the latter hours of a game-- typical of age-related waning of concentration. Here is what another spectator said after game 6: "As I get older, I find I have less ability to concentrate for long periods of time. I think it clear this is the real difference between Carlsen and Anand today- the younger man can just keep his focus sharp longer. Late game breakdowns have cost Anand both games."

So what can we do about this? Just sit by and watch our brains turn into chess mush? Not on your life. I think it is possible to reverse brain aging and  substantially improve chess and evey other cognitive activity. Studies show, for example, that some 85 year olds have brains that perform better than those of people 30 years younger.  I worked with a researcher who earlier this year chacterized the physiological differences of such people and it is possible to brain about such changes.

Also just the type of chess you play, slow 45-minute or longer games ( thank you Dan Heisman!) may make a positive difference in your brain.

 I am beginning a scientific study of brain aging that may include chess players and how various interventions affect their play. Older players ( over 23!) and anyone else interested get ready: it may be possible to substantially improve your play through diet and lifestyle changes.

A couple of factors in aging and maybe play overall:

1. Be combative but at peace.

2. Health and closeness to peak ability.

I noticed some older players drop because other players are improving and they have put a lot into the game.

3. Be comfortable with peaks and valleys and an established ability level.

Is brain aging really a significant factor in play level? Anand has surely shown us otherwise, and Korchnoi is probably the best example  that one can still play at high levels if they have enough motivation and dedication. This is something older people should really draw inspiration from to achieve something that they might have missed when they were younger.

Agree. I think the only disadvantage for Anand at his age compared to a youngster lies on physical stamina, wich is important in a match at top level, not in brains. Well, not only that, at age 20 you think you could eat the world.