He has lived alone since Polly died in 1988. MacLean has forgotten to call Lifeline, a help network for the elderly, more than once. When that happens, the front door eventually rattles, an emergency key turns and voices call to him in tones that half expect a broken hip or worse. Science labels MacLean lucky. No singular theory has explained fully the changes within the human brain that alter memory.
Scientists believe changes are caused mainly by loss of neurons and deficiencies in surviving cells.
But every brain functions in its own unique manner, confounding researchers hunting for keys to aging or fountains of youth. MacLean never investigated the scientific theories of growing old. He didn't need to. He had the emotions, more real than any textbook lesson. He suffered the pangs as his friends died or moved into nursing homes.