Living into your 90s
60 Minutes・19 minutes read
Life expectancy in the U.S. has increased significantly since 1900, with the 90 Plus study focusing on factors influencing longevity in individuals over 90, finding that exercise, social activities, moderate alcohol consumption, and maintaining weight play crucial roles in longer life. The study also reveals that micro infarcts, not Alzheimer's disease, and high blood pressure may impact dementia risk in 90-year-olds, with ongoing research using PET scans to investigate protective mechanisms against Alzheimer's.
Insights
- Exercise, particularly activities like walking and gardening, even for just 15 minutes a day, has a significant impact on longevity in individuals over 90, showcasing the importance of physical activity in promoting a longer life.
- Contrary to popular belief, factors like vitamin intake and alcohol consumption do not show a significant effect on lifespan in individuals over 90, highlighting the complex interplay of various lifestyle habits and health outcomes in older age.
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Recent questions
How has life expectancy changed in the U.S. since 1900?
Life expectancy in the U.S. has increased by 30 years since 1900, with many individuals now living past 90 years old. Factors such as advancements in healthcare, improved living conditions, and better access to medical treatments have contributed to this increase in life expectancy over the years.
What activities impact longevity in individuals over 90?
Exercise, particularly activities like walking and gardening, was found to significantly impact longevity in individuals over 90. Even just 15 minutes of exercise a day can make a difference. Engaging in social activities like book clubs and board games also correlated with increased longevity, with every hour spent on such activities linked to longer life.
Does vitamin intake affect lifespan in individuals over 90?
The study found that vitamin intake, including antioxidants and Vitamin E, did not show a significant impact on lifespan in individuals over 90. While vitamins are important for overall health, they did not seem to play a major role in determining longevity in this particular group.
How does alcohol consumption affect individuals over 90?
Moderate alcohol consumption, up to two drinks a day, was linked to a reduced risk of death in individuals over 90 compared to non-drinkers. However, excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on health, so moderation is key when it comes to alcohol intake in older individuals.
What is the significance of maintaining weight in later life for longevity?
Maintaining or gaining weight in later life was found to be beneficial for longevity in individuals over 90. Being overweight or average weight was linked to longer life compared to being underweight. This highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight as we age to support overall health and longevity.
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Summary
00:00
Factors Influencing Longevity in Older Adults
- Life expectancy in the U.S. has increased by 30 years since 1900, with many individuals now living past 90 years old.
- The 90 Plus study aims to understand the factors influencing longevity and health in individuals over 90.
- Dr. Claudia Kawas conducted research in Laguna Woods, gathering data from 14,000 residents in 1981 to study their lifestyle habits.
- Over 1,600 individuals over 90 were enrolled in the 90 Plus study, undergoing regular cognitive and physical assessments.
- Exercise was found to significantly impact longevity, with even 15 minutes a day making a difference, especially activities like walking and gardening.
- Social activities like book clubs and board games were associated with increased longevity, with every hour spent on such activities correlating with longer life.
- Vitamin intake, including antioxidants and Vitamin E, did not show a significant impact on lifespan in the study participants.
- Moderate alcohol consumption, up to two drinks a day, was linked to a reduced risk of death compared to non-drinkers.
- Caffeine intake equivalent to one to three cups of coffee a day was associated with better outcomes than higher or lower consumption.
- Maintaining or gaining weight in later life was found to be beneficial, with being overweight or average weight linked to longer life compared to being underweight.
18:42
Micro infarcts, blood pressure, and dementia study.
- In individuals over 90, what appears to be Alzheimer's disease is often actually micro infarcts, tiny strokes found in the brain, which can accumulate over time and lead to dementia.
- High blood pressure seems to lower the risk of dementia in 90-year-olds, contrary to factors like vitamins, alcohol, and exercise which do not show the same effect.
- Plaques and tangles in the brain, often associated with Alzheimer's, may not always lead to dementia, as some individuals without cognitive decline still have these markers.
- The 90-plus study is using a new PET scan to detect plaques and tangles in individuals without dementia, aiming to understand why some people with these markers do not develop cognitive issues, potentially revealing protective mechanisms against Alzheimer's.
