Clues to a Lucid Old Age
Well, I was all ready to write about a totally different subject & then this email came in from my sis, Bethe. THX Bethe!This article hit home with both of us not only for the subject matter BUT because this is the community where my mom used to live before she passed away. AND YES, they have lots going on there beyond bridge! They offer a wide range of exercise & craft classes & a golf course on site as well. I often saw people walking in this pretty community no matter what the obstacles were .. meaning a cane or a walker! All my mom's friends were very spry (is that the right word?) and quite BUSY as well!
This article, At the Bridge Table, Clues to a Lucid Old Age, took place at "Laguna Woods, a sprawling retirement community of 20,000 south of Los Angeles. It is at the center of the world’s largest decades-long study of health and mental acuity in the elderly. Begun by University of Southern California researchers in 1981 and called the 90+ Study, it has included more than 14,000 people aged 65 and older, and more than 1,000 aged 90 or older. In recent years scientists have become intensely interested in what could be called a super memory club — the fewer than one in 200 of us who, like Ms. Scott and Ms. Cummins, have lived past 90 without a trace of dementia. It is a group that, for the first time, is large enough to provide a glimpse into the lucid brain at the furthest reach of human life, and to help researchers tease apart what, exactly, is essential in preserving mental sharpness to the end."
I like the studies that are long term! I also found this paragraph interesting:
"So far, scientists here have found little evidence that diet or exercise affects the risk of dementia in people over 90. But some researchers argue that mental engagement — doing crossword puzzles, reading books — may delay the arrival of symptoms. And social connections, including interaction with friends, may be very important, some suspect. In isolation, a healthy human mind can go blank and quickly become disoriented, psychologists have found."
The "whole picture" in this article really makes me think about what really works. I have read that staying active also delays dementia so...... Me, I say the key is to do both. I am in agreement that the mental stuff is a huge part of the equation .... BUT also just try to enjoy life & enjoy what you are doing & enjoy the moment too! I am the first to say I am not great at this in the moment stuff but I definitely think it has it's place.... to just let go & not get all worked up over things. A definite goal for me ... I need to do that.. not good at it!
By the way, I saw the new movie, Night at the Museum yesterday. It was great fun, pure enjoyment AND a message! Sort of what I was saying above but not quite. If you get a chance & like that type of stuff, do see it. And all I am going to say is at the movie and in life.... HAVE FUN!
What do you guys think out there about the study? And how about just living in the moment as best you can? I realize we can't do that every day but the times you can do it? Do you do that and/or do you manage to NOT get worked up over things... something I need to control? Vent here!
Interesting that after 90, diet and exercise is less of a factor--it certainly is before that, from every study I've read.
But the staying engaged stuff makes total sense! Thanks for sharing this.
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it's all so unique to the individual in my opinion.
you?
my grandmother was the first woman I knew who lifted weights, lived to 101 and was pretty lucid until 95.
a friends grandmother was just as 'healthy' and hit dementia around age 80.
*tucks head down and keeps trudging onward*
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Great post again Jody! I definitely believe that staying active affects the onset and rate of dementia. I witnessed it in my Grandfather. He was diagnosed with Alzheimers at the age of 85. He had been working out his entire life and was very active in weight lifting, wrestling, gymnastics and running. I often wonder how much earlier in life he may have shown symptoms of dementia if hadn't lived an active lifestyle?
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My theory about why diet and exercise don't seem to be a factor after 90 years old is that those 90 years old or older grew up on farms and often ate fresh organic foods before it was called that, and still prefer a blackberry cobbler (a small piece) to a Twinkie and think the whole world has gone crazy when we flock to a Starbucks for a $4 cup of melted ice cream and call it "coffee". Their diets have been much healthier all of their lives, without even trying. They were thinner most of their lives that we are, partly because the option that we have today did not exist for most of their lives, so even if their diet hasn't be ideal the last 10 or even 20 years, they had a good start to life. And they didn’t have to try and get exercise. Life required it. I would bet a $20 that diet will be more of a factor with the generations to follow.
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I think the study makes sense. I used to enjoy reading alot when I was younger (mostly Stephen King), but I just don't have any free time anymore. I better find some.
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Thx for your comments ladies! I definitely think that both mental & physical is part of all this but I don't rule out some genetics just based on some things I have seen. I know my mom did crossword puzzles & man, was she on top of it until she got sick. She knew stuff I could not even imagine & her memory was way better than mine!
I really think the social aspect is big as well. Being out with people as we age rather than alone & depressed. Even just doing crafts or something like that.
Patty, your thought process really makes me think as well. These people that are now 90 & older did have a different sort of life.
Me, I am just going to stay active for sure. I am not a big "game player" like cards & stuff but I guess I best start using my little brain for more than remembering what I did the last workout!
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I definitely think staying active and reducing stress are huge factors in delaying the onset of dementia.
I do a much better job of managing stress these days than I did in the past, but it's an ongoing process. Huh, kind of like losing weight.
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So true Cammy! I really need to work on that managing stress stuff! Have not conquered that!
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Hmm, good write up Jody. I think mental stimulation is KEY. I wrote an article about how you can increase your brain power and improve memory function. You should check it out:
http://flawlessfitnessbook.com/blog/increase-your-brain-power/
Anyways, let's see what I remember when I'm 90. I love health, but I also love crazy shit like: Cliff jumping, bungy, sky diving and let's not forget power tumbling. Yup I'm all about living fast and dying pretty. But while I'm living, there's no reason not to look damn good right?
P.S- I attempted to make the captcha on my blog a bit easier to read. Let me know if this helped. Jeez Jody... you're so demanding.
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Hi FJ. Will check out your post after some sleep!
Hmmm, I have put it down that if I lose my thought process, someone still has to take me to the weight room!!
You certainly live life to the fullest. A good family thing growing up? Part of my questions for today's post.
Hey, thx for the security code thing. Hey, at 51, not only are things starting to get worse.. but I am getting more crotchety too!
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Sleep is overrrated. But that doesn't stop me from waking up at 11:30. SO not a morning person, but green tea gets me thru it.
Oh btw Jody, did you sign up as a bronze member for my site? In the tea article there are a crap load of options. My mission is to MAKE you love tea. One way or another... so let's try different combos until you find something you like. What'd you think about that?
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FJ, I work out "when the sun don't shine" & when the gym is at it's quietist so I need to get some sleep! 3 hours just don't cut it!
OK, I will check out the tea thing but not sure you can convert me! I love my flavored coffee..
Still want to know what gives you your self worth? Strong parents that felt good about themselves & taught that to you?
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Hmm I had to think about this one. parents are part of the equation for sure. They supported my crazy antics. I think being an only child helped (surprising).
Also realizing that life's short. I have a quote written on my wall that I see upon waking up "Do i want to live a lame life?"
It just makes me want to be awesome everyday, and when I know I've done everything I can to live my life to the fullest everyday, confidence & self worth come standard.
29,000 days is all you get from the time you are born till the time you pass away. That's not a whole lot. Are you going to make the most of that time or do nothing with it. Tick - Tock.
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Thx for your reply! I really think upbringing & things that happen along the way effect this from my perspective BUT does not mean we can't change or turn that around.. I am trying, even at this late age!!!
Good philosophy you have! Wish I had that a long time ago & still trying!
I may write a post of this soon!
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DO it up. In fact, after reading all of this i figured what the hell... Might as well put up my newbie drill.
I gave you some credit... check it out: http://flawlessfitnessbook.com/blog/build-self-confidence-in-mere-weeks-the-newbie-self-conscious-drill/
There are a billion different ways to build up someones confidence and self worth. I just happen to have one that cuts through the crap IMO.
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Will be checking it out along with your plyometrics post as soon as I can.. family in town this weekend so busy. Got out & did my jog already & abs/core before that so ready to roll after the shower!
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