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Recent data reveal that dementia prevalence at ages 70, 75, 80 and above has fallen compared to several decades ago. In fact, today’s 90-year-olds face less than half the dementia risk of those in 1984. This shift points to progress in prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.
- Dementia prevalence has fallen across every age bracket studied (70, 75, 80+) compared to several decades ago
- 90-year-olds today face less than half the dementia risk of 90-year-olds in 1984 (under 15% vs. roughly one in three)
- Better education, blood pressure/cholesterol control, diabetes treatment, and healthier lifestyles are cited as the likely drivers
Embracing social connections has been a key factor in the longevity of the author's parents, who are both in their 90s. Despite not adhering to popular wellness trends, their warm interactions with strangers and active social lives have contributed significantly to their health and happiness.
- Benjamin Emanuel lived to 92 and Marsha is still thriving at 92, without meditation, step-tracking, or strict diets
- Their habit of warmly engaging strangers (patients, people met while traveling) seems to have been a bigger health factor than conventional wellness trends
- Emanuel, drawing on his own longevity research, argues casual social connection may matter more for health than diet or supplements