Redefining old age

CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook talks with experts about the distinctions between normal and abnormal aging as it affects memory issues, a workforce continuing beyond traditional retirement age, and the testing of surgeons who currently work without age limits. (This story was originally broadcast on February 18, 2024.)

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[hwcinc]

We were tired of being snowbirds, so at age 77 for me and 75 for her we bought a farm. 53 acres and it keeps us busy. Her chickens, my barn cats, barn and equipment and we are having the time of our lives. My wife’s chickens lay eggs that go to the local churches food bank. I get to play farmer with the family we partner with. They let me do some light work and even some plowing every year. I’ve lost 72 pounds and the dr is talking no more meds for me. Yahoo!

[mililaniman]

The message I got from this is to stay physically active in order to remain physically active.

[heirloomcottagedesigns]

People have no respect for their elders. My Dad lived to 95 and was sharp as a tack! He wasn’t a physical force, but walked every day, but mentally, he was amazing! His memory was phenomenal as well. You can learn so much from your elders…I do agree with this testing, though. Every person is different…

[juicesnap]

fun fact: When I was 8 years old, I had surgery on my kidney and the surgeon who was doing the surgery felt weird and had a hard time doing the surgery/cognitive issues so the next day got evaluated turned out he had a large life threatening brain tumor. He was mortified and disclosed all of this to my parents and got a second doctor to double check his work, it turns out he did a perfect job because it has been 19 years and my kidneys are still going strong and the doctor also made a full recovery from the brain tumor and is still practicing!

[hopeheavenonplanetearth]

When I was in nursing school, I assisted a Doctor who had Parkinson’s. She did a circumcircium for a newborn. It ruined my life as a nurse. I was horrified with her shaking as she cut. She did retire soon after that, but I will never forget it.

[jaydee]

I have spoken with many seniors over the past decade and one thing is clear. The best asset you can have in older age is a sharp mind and a positive mind. Those two go hand-in-hand, to create a better life in old age for anybody. There are people that I’ve spoken with who seem to have given up on life by the age of 70, and yet there are a few people who I’ve spoken with, who are over the age of 90 who are very tech savvy and very active and have a sharp mind. so again, keep your mind sharp because it is your greatest asset.

[chiaradamore-klaiman]

What about all of the people who quite literally cannot afford to retire? These people might not have high pressure jobs with lives depending on them, but many do not wish to work and simply must in order to survive.

[nancydrew]

Last not assume that people have all their mental and physical faculties just because they are young.

[JillWhitcomb]

Paul McCartney is 82 years old, and Ringo Starr is 83. Both exercise daily, have followed a vegetarian diet for decades, and are still performing world-wide with various concert tours. My Grandma lived to age 99, lived in her own house until age 94, and kept her mind and body active into her 90's. Like anyone who is a senior citizen, our lifestyle has much to do with our physical wellbeing.

[joer]

It isn’t the age it is about the mental capabilities.

[ciao]

Omg this story came at a perfect time! I am meeting with a 70 year old surgeon and while I Believe in his wisdom and experience for my case I’m unsure how I feel about him operating.

[susanvirgilio]

The late writer and columnist Roger Angell wrote a fantastic essay called "This Old Man." With humor and grace, he acknowledges the physical and emotional realities of aging, as well as addressing some of the younger set's misperceptions about their elders. I highly recommend it as a complement to this very good segment.

[StarZendonna]

My Great-Grandma lived to be 94 to this day In miss her.

[anoshya]

I’m 72 and go to the gym everyday and do weights and hard aerobic exercise..you have to make the effort !

[pamelatanner]

Presidents, presidential candidates and congressional members over 60 should have to be screened by a program like this.

[philipciaffa]

As an advocate and practitioner of life-long learning, my concern about aging surgeons and physicians is the question: "Are you keeping up with the latest technologies, best practices and techniques or coasting and complacent with skills and dogma from your earlier days?"

[sarastilson]

I misplaced more things when i was working. Now im retired, i misplace less; more time to pay attention

[patriciamitchell]

I'm 76 and still traveling the world. Next stop - .Morocco.

[Cwgrlup]

I had a knee surgeon who operated on me then when I returned for additional imaging he forgot what he was looking at in my MRI as we were talking. I changed surgeons and reported him to the administration. They did nothing. Far as I know, he’s still cutting people up.

[eddieg]

My 70 year old sister lives in L.A., her hair is still kept long, and she still gets it (expensively) dyed pretty shades of browns, and caramel. She walk about 4 miles a day, and practices INTERMITTENT FASTING, eats a lot of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (very little sugar, no junk food)….she’s still a size 6 like she was in her 20’s. She plays tennis, and swims. I have friends’ parents who live in MONTANA that are ALSO 70……..it’s a night and day difference!!! The Montana people LOOK 20 years older than my 70 year old sister, they eat junk food, little, or no vegetables, drink soda, and consume processed food, and tons of sugar. The women have their hair chopped off in “granny dos”, and their skin is completely wrinkled. ……….VERY INTERESTING the differences of L.A. (healthy SoCal lifestyle), and Butte, Montana!!!! 🤷🏼‍♂️🤔🤷🏼‍♂️🤔