[infinite_luck]

This is something I think about a lot. I plan to never stop doing mentally stimulating activities, even in my old age. The difference you can see in cognitive ability between the elderly is staggering.

One particular instance that sticks in my mind was a video filmed in the UK where for some unrelated reason four older men and women were interviewed, with ages ranging between 80 and the low 100's. The mid 80 year old had trouble recalling information, spoke slowly, and generally seemed to exist in a fog so thick you could practically see it. On the other hand, the person around 100 was completely lucid, maybe even sharper than me! I can't say for sure that this is due to keeping busy and not partially genetic as well, but the variability really struck me.

[fooblitzky]

My understanding is that social activities are even more important than mentally stimulating activities.

[alchemism]

Humans are social animals, so I tend to agree. My hunch is that feeling, on a visceral level, that you are necessary to the people around you in some fashion is what will keep the will to live burning bright. It can be actual or merely delusional - the important aspect being the level of conviction in the belief.

[tonyedgecombe]

I wonder how that tallies up for introverts vs extroverts. Personally I'd rather stick sharpened pencils in my eyes than partake in social activities with a bunch of other retirees.

[WhompingWindows]

How introverts are poking their mental decline in the eye!

[throwaway5752]

Most of this is just pure dumb luck combined with vascular health (to the extent that isn't dumb luck).

[zeroxfe]

Why do you say so? There seems to be some compelling evidence that keeping your mind and body active increases your quality of life during old age.

[throwaway5752]

Yes, definitely. But it's not a single factor thing and want to emphasize that. Dying prematurely is not always some failing of will, nor is not keeping active. Degenerative joint issues, for instance. Also vision, like ARMD. Et cetera. I personally suspect that things that prevent activity are manifestations of the same age related wasting. But stay active at any age, mentally and physically. Even if it had zero impact on longevity (and it has a positive impact) it's good for quality of life.