AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

Curiosity, creativity have no expiration date

Doris Bloodsworth

Despite the stories of Silicon Valley whiz kids, some studies show that people are their most productive and creative in their later years.

Experts say that older people have many advantages, when it comes to invention. In addition to decades of workplace experience and problem-solving skills, scientists say we can see patterns better in later years. Some inventors are driven by curiosity and competitiveness, while others are motivated by social concerns.

Here are just a few examples of 45+ inventors who have made an impact:

Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals at 78. The American statesman asked his optician to cut a long-distance lens in half and do the same to a reading lens. He put them together in a glasses frame and called the new eyewear “double spectacles,” which became known as bifocals. Charles Greeley Abbot invented the solar cooker at 99. Abbot remains the oldest person to receive a patent with his invention that uses direct sunlight to cook food and to heat beverages. Steve Jobs spearheaded invention of the iPad at 50. Jobs’ storied career with Apple included many inventions that continued up through his later years before he died of cancer.

Josephine Cochrane’s automatic dishwasher invention went into production when she was 58. Widowed at 45, Cochrane developed the first commercially successful automatic dishwasher. The Cochrane Dishwasher eventually became the brand KitchenAid.

Yvonne Brill invented a rocket propulsion system at 48. Brill was a rocket engineer who invented the hydrazine resistojet, which increased engine performance and allowed for larger payloads.

James West invented a smart stethoscope at 88. West’s smart stethoscope is aimed at helping doctors treat children with pneumonia in third-world countries. West holds more than 60 U.S. patents and 200 foreign patents. His most famous invention is the electret microphone, a technology used in computers, mobile phones and hearing aids.

George Weiss invented the board game Dabble at 84. He later helped develop the app. Dabble was named Game of the Year and won other awards. Weiss’ success came after 45 years and 80 failed inventions. Bob Nepper invented a solarpowered water purifier at 82. The retired 3M engineer and humanitarian invented the purifier for missionary groups going to Haiti. Grace Hopper invented COBOL, the first universal computer programming language used in business and government, when she was 53. Hopper was a mathematician and rear admiral in the U.S. Navy Reserve.