Myths and Realities About Ageing and How to Live to 100

Dr. Samir K. Sinha MD, DPhil, FRCPCDirector of Geriatrics Mount Sinai Hospital

Provincial Lead, Ontario’s Seniors Strategy

Assistant Professor of MedicineUniversity of Toronto and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

PEI Annual Making the Connection Conference

16 October, 2014

Presentation Objectives Identify and dispel some of the common myths around

ageing and the process of ageing.

Help us to better understand what ageing is all about.

Understand the things we can do to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.

2

Human Ageing… Begins at Birth…

Influenced by a composite of biologic, psychological, social, functional and spiritual factors.

Varies from person to person

3

Myth or Reality?

4

It is very difficult for older adults to learn

new things.

Memory loss is a normal part of aging

7

The majority of people over the age of 65 have

Alzheimer’s disease.

Meet Mr. WMeet Mr. W

Older adults are at high risk for HIV/AIDS.

High blood pressure increases with age.

Osteoporosis is a normal part of the aging process for

women.

Physical strength declines in old age.

Why Does Mr. W Prefer this Park Bench?Why Does Mr. W Prefer this Park Bench?

All five senses tend to decline with advancing

age.

Most older people are living in nursing

homes.

Most 80 year-old drivers are quite capable of safely operating a motor vehicle.

Most older adults consider themselves to

be in good health.

Older females exhibit better health care practices than older males.

Research has shown that old age begins

around age 65.

The Ageing Process can be defeated

The Secrets to A Long and Happy Life…

22

The Reality of Ageing for Us… Living to very advanced ages will be the experience for

many of us

Life expectancy at age 65 is about 20 years extra for Canadian men and women

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The Secrets to a Longer Life… If you are 45 years old and do all of these (rather than

none) you will live longer (Men- 7 years, Women-11 years)

1. Sleeping 7-8 hours per night 2. Weight Control 3. Exercise 4. Limited Alcohol 5. Non-smoking 6. Eating Breakfast 7. Seldom Snacking

Belloc et al

The Secrets to a Longer Life… 3.3 x Greater Chance to Age Successfully if you

participate in…

1. Physical Activity (> 2.5 Hours a Week Moderate or >1 Hour a Week Vigorous)

2. Never Smoking 3. Moderate Alcohol Consumption 4. Eating Fruits and Vegetable Daily

Sabia et al., 2012

The Secrets to a Longer Life… If you are 75 years of ager and do all of these (rather

than none) you will live longer (~ 5.4years)

1. Regular Physical Activity 2. Don’t Smoke 3. Maintain Meaningful Social Connections

Rizzuto et al., 2012

The Secrets to a Longer Life… Blue Zones by Dan Buettner

1. Move Naturally

2. Hara Hachi Bu and Avoid Meat and Process Foods

4. Drink Red Wine (In Moderation)

5. Ikigai / Plan de Vida (Why I Wake Up in the Morning)

6. Take Time to Relieve Stress

7. Participate in a Spiritual Community, Make Family a Priority and Congregate with Those Who Share You Values.

Drawing ConclusionsDrawing Conclusions

Some Concluding Thoughts…

We are all likely to live longer than we may have expected.

Ageing is a normal process but one that we can make more enjoyable and less arduous by taking care of ourselves along the way.

Don’t Smoke, Eat and Drink Well (but not too well), Stay Active and Stay Connected…

And Enjoy Your Golden Years Ahead!