Recent research has revealed that people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia (痴呆), yet only 15% to 25% of adults benefit from hearing aids. Hearing loss often comes on so gradually that many ignore it.

In July, at the annual meeting of the Alzheimer's Association, Frank Lin from Johns Hopkins University presented results from a random clinical trial of 977 adults between 70 and 84 with untreated hearing loss. One group received good hearing care, including hearing aids, and another group took part in a program about successful aging. Three years later hearing aids didn't make much difference to the healthiest participants. But those at the higher risk of dementia because of age and health conditions saw a 48% reduction in cognitive (认知的) worsening when they got hearing aids.

When hearing loss is untreated, the brain's organization changes. Adults with hearing loss need to make extra efforts just to listen, which may overly consume cognitive reserves, says Anu Sharma of the University of Colorado. Hearing loss is also associated with more falls, higher healthcare costs, and increased loneliness. "Hearing is fundamental to healthy aging." says Nicholas Reed, who worked with Lin on the cognitive-decline study.

These consequences of hearing loss contributed to the government's decision last year to create a category of over-the-counter (非处方的) hearing aids. Traditional aids averaging $4,700 a pair aren't covered by Medicare or private insurance. It's too soon to assess whether the new devices will close the yawning gap between the large need for hearing aids and the smaller demand for them. In one survey, only about half of non-users said they would use hearing aids even if they were free. The key to getting around that dilemma will be "the common desire of wanting to hear well" and the sense that "everyone is doing it", Lin says. If "wireless earbuds also become hearing aids, that changes the whole perspective of what it means to use hearing technology."

During an interview for one of my books, my interviewer said something I still think about often. Annoyed by the level of distraction(干扰)in his open office, he said, “That's why I have a membership at the coworking space across the street —so I can focus. "His comment struck me as strange. After all, coworking spaces also typically use an open office layout (布局). But I recently came across a study that shows why his approach works

The researchers examined various levels of noise on participants as they completed tests of creative thinking. They were randomly divided into four groups and exposed to various noise levels in the background, from total silence to 50 decibels(分贝),70 decibels, and 85 decibels. The differences between most of the groups were statistically insignificant; however,the participants in the 70 decibels group—those exposed to a level of noise similar to background chatter in a coffee shop-significantly outperformed the other groups. Since the effects were small, this may suggest that our creative thinking does not differ that much in response to total silence and 85 decibels of background noise.

But since the results at 70 decibels were significant, the study also suggests that the right level of background noise—not too loud and not total silence—may actually improve one's creative thinking ability. The right level of background noise may interrupt our normal patterns of thinking just enough to allow our imaginations to wander, without making it impossible to focus. This kind of "distracted focus" appears to be the best state for working on creative tasks.

So why do so many of us hate our open offices? The problem may be that, in our offices, we can't stop ourselves from getting drawn into others' conversations while we're trying to focus. Indeed, the researchers found that face-to-face interactions and conversations affect the creative process, and yet a coworking space or a coffee shop provides a certain level of noise while also providing freedom from interruptions.

Long Walks in Europe

Waldstätterweg Trail, Lucerne, Switzerland

·Distance 71 miles

The Waldstätterweg Trail (路线) is one of the safest when it comes to snowy conditions, and the views and the colours of the trees are breathtaking at the end of October. This seven-stage route trails the shore of Lake Lucerne, with the glaring blue water being a constant companion. Old paths and elegant trails through woods link lakeside settlements.

Harz Witches Trail, Lower Saxony, Germany

·Distance 58 miles

The Harz Mountains have long been associated with German folklore (民俗). Harz Witches Trail runs along forest tracks through Harz National Park and can be walked throughout October and beyond. The route takes in forests, Germany's largest wooden church, and a 439-metre rope suspension bridge. It also follows the poet Goethe's hiking route up the Brocken.

GR141, Andalucía, Spain

·Distance 68 miles

Autumn isn't just a good time to walk in Andalucía. The weather stays warm long after winter starts to bite further north. It's cheaper and less crowded, too. In November, conditions are milder here and some plants continue to flower. And two newly created GR routes begin here: both are well marked, reasonably challenging, divided into six stages and walkable in a week.

Menalon Trail, Peloponnese, Greece

·Distance 47 miles

The Menalon Trail is an excellent option for autumn. Temperatures are pleasant and autumn colours are wonderful well into November. It's a quiet time to visit, too. Nights in mountain villages are a highlight. Dimitsana, surrounded by pine forests and snowy peaks, is a particular jewel; In Stemnitsa, there is a folklore museum showcasing the village's jewellery-making heritage.