In the realm of politics, there is no scarcity of individuals surpassing the typical retirement age. A prime example is Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who will turn 90 next month. Despite a recent prolonged medical absence and concerns about her mental acuity, she continues to serve as the oldest member of the U.S. Senate. Although Feinstein has announced that she will not seek reelection in 2024, voters could potentially witness a faceoff between President Biden, who will be 82 next November, and former President Trump, who will turn 78. This raises questions about the mental competence of politicians over the age of 75, prompting curiosity about the cognitive challenges faced by older adults and what they bring to the table.
Studies have shown that working past retirement age can have positive effects on longevity, but only when it is a personal choice. Being forced to work for financial reasons can have the opposite effect. Surprisingly, many Americans are not in favor of having elder statesmen making important decisions in politics. A recent poll indicates that 41% of respondents believe that old age hampers members of Congress, making their work more difficult rather than benefiting from their wisdom and experience.
The National Institute on Aging reveals that aging not only affects our physical appearance but also leads to changes in the brain. Specifically, certain areas of the brain start to shrink, particularly those responsible for learning and complex mental activities. Communication between nerve cells in specific regions may become less effective, inflammation increases, and blood flow in the brain may decrease. However, it is important to note that the aging process and its impact on mental function is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Each individual can experience different levels of cognitive changes as they age. Some elderly individuals can have brain functions comparable to those of much younger individuals.
Although cognitive changes can occur with aging, it does not mean that dementia is inevitable for everyone as they grow older. Columbia University conducted a study which revealed that nearly 10% of U.S. adults aged 65 and above have dementia, while an additional 22% have mild cognitive impairment. While the prevalence of cognitive impairment does increase with age, it still remains relatively low. For instance, only 3% of individuals between the ages of 65 and 69 have dementia, compared to 35% of those aged 90 and above.
There are certain challenges that come with working as an octogenarian, even for those who are in good health. Processing speed tends to decline with age, resulting in slower thinking. Working memory may also be affected, although only to a certain extent. Attention levels decrease, and multitasking abilities may be compromised. Physically, the body undergoes changes that can make tasks more challenging as well. For example, stairs may seem steeper, newsprint appears smaller, voices become fainter, and sleep becomes more interrupted. Memory and reasoning may not be as quick, leading to occasional mental lapses when trying to recall information or make a point.
However, along with the challenges, older professionals also bring unique advantages to the table. As individuals grow older, their crystallized intelligence remains strong. Although fluid intelligence declines, crystallized intelligence, which is built upon a lifetime of knowledge and its application, continues to be a valuable asset. Older adults often possess wisdom gained through experience, allowing them to better navigate conflicts and understand the limits of their own knowledge. Emotionally, older individuals tend to exhibit greater stability compared to their younger counterparts. They are able to keep things in perspective and take a big-picture view when faced with challenges. Furthermore, studies have shown that older adults have a more extensive vocabulary and a deeper understanding of word meanings compared to younger individuals.
Maintaining brain health as we age is a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle choices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 40% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed. Lifestyle choices play a significant role in brain health, and certain habits can support healthy cognitive aging. One of the most important factors is regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise that raises the heart rate. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Following a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, can also have positive effects on brain health. This diet is rich in plant-based foods, whole grains, and fish. While brain games do not offer a foolproof way to maintain brain health, engaging in cognitive activities and stimulating the brain through reading, writing, and social interactions can help keep the mind sharp and purpose-filled as we age.
