Following are some important points made in Successful Aging . The extent of loss of mental function in old age is not as great people think. For instance, of all the elderly people 65 to 100 years of age or more, only 10 percent are Alzheimer's patients. The predictors of strong mental function in old age are regular physical activity, strong social support systems, and a belief in the ability to handle what life has to offer.
Older people can, with training, improve cognitive functioning.
Older Americans are generally healthy, not frail and sick. For instance, weight loss can significantly reduce the probability of heart disease. The role of genetics in aging has been overstated. This is wonderful news for individuals with strong histories of some cancer, heart disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritus, and many other conditions. It is not true that the elderly are not productive.