Redefining old age

This isn't your grandfather's old age. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan 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.

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[b.visconti]

I feel the biggest problem for seniors is loneliness..when there's no one who needs you or no family around it's hard to find a reason to get up in the morning 😢

[TerlinguaTalkeetna]

I play golf in west Tx town with a 95 yr old that plays in our shamble games several times a week. That man helps his team every week! Love to see older people living their lives despite challenges or difficulties. Challenge your brain and your body everyday is his advice!

[sparkle]

I really can't believe I'm 62 looking and feeling as good as I do.
It has everything to do with diet, exercise, sleep and having peace of mind.
Your health is your wealth.
All you have to do is slow down.
It's okay to think slower but we still think deep.

[bbygrlpt]

My great grandma is 96 and you can still have a normal conversation with her. She also walks, remembers just like she did 20 yrs ago. But I have a few aunts who are young and their minds messed up. Stress def affects a persons mind I think even more than age.

[bellagirlgirl]

It's the accumulation of stress over a person's lifetime that wipes them out mentally.

[LB-tyks]

I am 79 years old and as mentally sharp as I was when I was 78 years old.

[cynthiahawkins]

My husband Ric just celebrated his 80th yesterday. I am 75, still a young 'babe' to hear him tell it. He rides a bike every day. We live in a fourth floor New Orleans walk up. Yes, we are a bit overweight. But we are still out and about, keep busy, got all our marbles, and don't spend a lot of time worrying about this or that. I went back to school in my mid 50's, attended Columbia University (NYC) in the early 2000s..pulled a 3.76 the whole time. Stop looking at the calendar - make your days count.

[Ira]

I ❤ you Dr. Aronson!
So I’m a 62 yr. young happily married man who’s still working his FT career job and adjuncting at 2 business schools for years and still loving the intellectual and social engagement with no intentions of slowing down.

I’m also writing a book on how love your best years after age 60.

[eddieg]

My sister is 69 years old, and has lived in Los Angeles for over 50 years. She walks every day, swims, takes a Pilates class, stretches with yoga, and travels the world with her best friends. Her hair is still long, and she still gets it highlighted, refusing to cut it into a “grandma ‘do” going grey like her friends have that don’t live in Southern California. She’s kept her slim figure all these years by cutting out sugar, and most carbs, of course not eating junk food, or fast food (a twice a year In-N-Out burger an exception!), and when in Italy or France ALWAYS gets a few slices of pizza, or fresh pasta, not to deprive herself of authentic, regional cuisine. She’s told me she WILL NOT give in by going up in dress sizes, or waist sizes in clothing, if a few pounds are put on, she’s been Intermittent Fasting for decades, and that always drops the few lbs she’s concerned with. She still wears youthful, fun clothes, again refusing to “look like a grandma”, but doesn’t dress like a teenager either. She reads a lot, and does word puzzles often, stimulating her brain. She’s credited the “YOUTHFUL SOCAL LIFESTYLE” in her behavior over the decades, not giving in to “aging rules” her friends have in other states…….and by judging her girlfriends in L.A., and other locals around Calabasas, and Westlake Village, it seems to WORK!! 😎👍👌

[Hotspur]

I've been weight lifting since I was 19; I am 62 now. These days I get compliments from trainers for doing things I've always been able to do like 10 consecutive pull ups. When I was 30...not a peep; now, "Wow, that's amazing how old are you?"

[PDogB]

I retired early but will have to work until I'm dead. The difference is now I have more freedom to choose what I want to do for supplemental income and will only work doing things that interest me and are fun. There is so much out there to learn, do and try that don't pay a living wage, so these positions are hard to fill. I don't worry about the future; I feel blessed to get up each day with something to do.

[mililaniman]

I am 52 years old, and I still feel mentally sharp. I am constantly working on my physical health.

[kathysarmiento]

Dr Aronson kindly spoke with a group of older volunteers a few years ago. She’s such a kind and compassionate person!

[michelleprather]

America is so not ready for an aging population. There isn’t enough affordable housing, the cost of good, healthy food is expensive. And the fact medicare insurance doesn’t cover all costs nor is it free leaves vulnerable people to potentially pass with no one noticing.

[darlenegoodwin]

My papi is 76 and very active. He rides a bike despite having a pacemaker, and I have been with him for 14 years. I'm 57.

[fireflymary]

The end of working is the BEGINNING of a meaningful life. Not the end. We need to redefine “work” as the cornerstone of reality and purpose.

[Creole_Lady]

I just turned 60. I’m not experiencing those concerns currently. My grandchildren keep me very busy

[steveconn]

As the child of parents both over the eighty mark, I increasingly find myself as the point person to helping finding lost things put down just minutes earlier and car safety, to supervising proper diet and cognitive and physical therapies. However long one maintains oneself in a career, family involvement is key to maintaining happiness for all involved, at every age.

[jimfesta]

No matter what your mind may tell you, your body with every passing day reminds you that you are getting old.

[boxofmoles]

As a senior, I'm trying to decide how much effort I want to put in going forward. I've had a good run. It'll come a time when I'll punch my own ticket. Some days that I think I'm closer to that day.