Life Begins at 90 as Nonagenarians Show Sharp Brainpower

[xchrom]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-10/life-begins-at-90-as-nonagenarians-show-sharp-brainpower.html

When it comes to brain power, 90 may be the new 80.

Those surviving past the age of 90 today are living longer and are mentally sharper than nonagenarians born a decade earlier, Danish researchers reported.

People born in 1915 were almost a third more likely to reach 95 than those born a decade earlier and on average they performed better on mental tests and in daily living tasks, according to a study published today in The Lancet.

The findings are the latest in a small but growing body of evidence that suggest improved nutrition, vaccinations, health care and intellectual stimulation are leading to a better quality of life for the elderly. Among the most intriguing findings of the Danish study is the notion that, should the trend continue, the care needs of very elderly people may be less than now anticipated.

[Zen Democrat]

1. My parents are 93 and 91. Been married 70 years. Live at home and are doing great!

My mom has someone come in to do the heavy housework, but other than that they are completely self-reliant. My dad is showing a few signs of mental aging (forgetfulness), but my mom is as sharp as a tack. And both are physically healthy as can be.

[leftyladyfrommo]

2. My aunt is 96 and still very sharp.

She is a brilliant woman.

Physically she's got some problems but she still is in her apartment and getting around OK. She's in a retirement community apartment so she can go down for meals. She never really liked to cook anyway.

[SheilaT]

3. I have plans to live to be 97.

There's an eclipse I want to see that year.

August 12, 2045 for the other eclipse-watchers here.

[Silent3]

4. I have to make it to 99 to see Halley's Comet a second time.

Or to really push it, I've got to reach 155 years old so I get to see my third transit of Venus.