francene--blog. Year 2013
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July 11th

7/11/2013

10 Comments

 
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Danish research suggests today's over 90's are defying mental decline.

Today's nonagenarians are surviving into very old age with better mental performance than ever before.

People born in 1915 scored higher in cognitive tests in their 90s compared with those born a decade earlier, according to a study in The Lancet. Better living standards and intellectual stimulation may be key factors.

The number of people reaching very old age is on the rise globally. In the US, for example, the amount of people aged 90 or above has more than doubled in 30 years. In Denmark, where the study took place, the chance of surviving into the 10th decade of life has gone up by about 30% each decade for people born in 1895, 1905 and 1915.


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The Denmark University researchers assessed their physical strength, mental functioning, ability to carry out daily living tasks such as walking inside and outside, and any symptoms of depression. Twelve years later, they repeated the study with Danes born in 1915 (2,509 people, aged 94-95). The researchers found that men and women born in 1915 performed better than those born in 1905 in terms of cognitive ability and activities of daily living, even after correcting for changes like better education. However, there has been little research on the quality of life that people reaching such an old age can look forward to.

Source: http://www.genarians.com/  A few names from the Hall of Fame:

Milton Berle
American actor and comedian, TV's "Texaco Star Theater"
07/12/1908 – 03/27/2002

Irving Berlin
Russian-born American songwriter, "God Bless America", "White Christmas"
05/11/1888 – 09/22/1989

Victor Borge
Danish-born American pianist and humorist
01/03/1909 – 12/23/2000

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
British queen consort, wife of King George VI and mother of Queen Elizabeth II
08/04/1900 – 03/30/2002

George Burns
American actor and comedian, stage partner and spouse of Gracie Allen
01/20/1896 – 03/09/1996

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Once elderly people are settled into a retirement home, they don't have enough to stimulate their minds and encourage them to live. My last job in the kitchen of an 'assisted living' home, where residents were given every luxury, pointed out the pitfalls to me. When residents rely on others to perform daily tasks, they lose the reason to carry on.

In England, the National Health has made every effort to adapt people's homes so they can remain there as long as possible. My own flat has been converted to help me with daily life. The shower is now walk-in with a fold down seat and handrails fitted. Handgrips and rails are within easy reach outside the doors, front and back as well as along the slope into the garden. If I can remain in my home, I'll happily work on my computer to write novels, therefore maintaining mental stimulation.

My neighbor will turn 90 this year. He practices yoga, has recently qualified in psychology, and plays a weekly game of tennis. I've mentioned before my intention of writing a book based on his life, which is filled with trauma, adventure and intrigue. His body might be slowing to fit in with his white hair, but his mind is sharp.


10 Comments
 


Jacqui link
07/11/2013 2:06am

I think a lot has to do with diet and lifestyle. My husbands mum (92) lives with us and has problems as long as your arm. If she had looked after herself, I believe that she wouldn't be in this mess.

Looking at her really makes me want to stay looking after me!!!

Here's to my healthy and mentally alert old age!

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Francene Stanley link
07/11/2013 10:13am

I can understand that. Look after yourself if you want to stay healthy and alert.

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Sophie Bowns link
07/11/2013 2:55am

I agree with Jaqui. I work in a residential home and the majority of the residents are in their 90's. Due to advances in technology, I think people are going to keep living longer and longer!

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Francene Stanley link
07/11/2013 10:14am

It's a sad fact that we can't help their minds stay healthy and happy.

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Sarah Bailey link
07/11/2013 7:52am

Hello! Visiting from UBC. I'm turning 35 next month and my husband is 42 and we've talked about what will happen when we become 'old' we both agree that we don't want to go into a nursing home and want to remain in our home as long as possible (my family has a history of long lives, my great grandparents died right before their 100th birthdays) and already my children have decided they will take us in when the time comes that we need more help.

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Francene Stanley link
07/11/2013 10:15am

It's good to make plans while you're still young. What a bright future you have to enjoy.

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Amy link
07/11/2013 2:48pm

Francene, this is very good news indeed. I've always wanted to live to be 100, but only if I could stay physically active and mentally sharp. I'll try to do whatever I can do to increase the odds that I'll get there. It's encouraging to hear of so many older folks who are still mentally sound!

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Francene Stanley link
07/12/2013 2:39am

I agree, It's up to us to ensure our mind stays sound and we keep as fit as possible. Read books--that's my answer.

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Alana link
07/11/2013 5:10pm

It's good news - IF there is a progression in the right direction i.e. those born in 1925 have better mental capacity than the ones in 1915, and so forth. It would be horrid to think it might be going back in the wrong direction for some reason we have no knowledge of yet. My husband's 101 year old aunt, by the way, is quite engaged mentally, even though she is fragile physically.

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Francene Stanley link
07/12/2013 2:44am

Thanks for sharing information about your aunt. I think the mind is the most important faculty a person has. The body is bound to wear out.

Reply

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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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