Amy Dockser Marcus reports for the Wall Street Journal on how people in their 80’s and 90’s are redefining old age. Notably, research of older people that began more than 30 years ago shows that fewer older people today are being diagnosed with dementia than ten, twenty and thirty years ago. Dementia appears to be on a decline.
About 18 percent of Americans are 65 or older. Lots of older Americans continue living for more than a dozen years after their health deteriorates. But, today, having arthritis, diabetes or high blood pressure does not keep people from having a high quality life.
People are taking better care of themselves as they grow old. To the extent they keep their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels in control, they reduce their risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Experts in aging believe that older people have control over the last years of their lives. To live longer, it’s important to engage socially and move as much as possible. Volunteering can improve longevity. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in strength, balance and more.
At Stanford, a research lab looking at aging reports that older people are more likely today to experience emotional well-being compared to younger people.
Of late, older people who lose their ability to bathe, dress or walk because of a fall or health condition are able to regain their independence, generally within six months. People who had been in good shape before their loss of independence and have good cognition are more likely to regain their independence. People who walked 20-30 minutes each day reduced their likelihood of having a serious fall and disability.
Here’s more from Just Care:
