Also, between 1982 and 1989, there were significant reductions in the prevalence of arthritis, arteriosclerosis, dementia, hypertension, stroke and emphysema, as well as a dramatic decrease in the average number of diseases an older person has at the same time. The limits of learning and the pace of learning changes, but research on mental function in old age is encouraging, and fears of age-related loss are often exaggerated. Three key factors predict strong mental function in old age - regular physical activity, a strong social support system, and a belief in one's ability to handle what life has to offer. The horse is out of the barn. It's never too late to benefit from healthy living.
Many older people believe that there is no point in changing bad habits.
They think, for example, that decades of overindulgence in alcohol or fat-laden food, or lack of exercise, has already taken its toll on their body and that the subsequent damage is irreversible. Certainly, it's better to start healthy habits early, but the truth is, it's almost never too late to benefit from healthy living. Not only can we recover much lost function and decrease risk, but in some cases we can actually increase function beyond our prior level. The secret to successful aging is to choose your parents wisely. Heredity is not as powerful a player as many assume.