What is healthy ageing?

There was a study from the 1980s that concluded there are three main factors to successful aging. 1) Being free of disability or disease; 2) having high cognitive and physical abilities, and 3) interacting with others in meaningful ways. But another definition of successful aging may involve the simple fact of reaching old age . . . because a lot of people, sometimes very successful people, don't get there, due to bad habits, bad luck, or bad genes. So, I guess those of us who have made it to or seventies can congratulate ourselves. By one measure anyway, we are successful agers!

The three factors mentioned in the old study seem to be reasonable and are still relevant today. However, the additional point that simply reaching old age can be considered a measure of successful aging is also valid.

However, research has found that we do lose our ability to remember things. We cannot remember random numbers as easily as younger people. However, we are better at focusing on crucial information, and we do remember the important things. Cicero said, "I've never heard of an old man who forgot where he buried his treasure", which reinforces the idea that memory loss may not be as significant as we think.

Diet and exercise are also important, don’t worry about specific miracle foods or extreme exercise routines, you can stay healthy by eating a standard healthy diet and walking. 

In terms of keeping our minds sharp, it's not so much what we do as learning something new. Learning something new to keep the mind sharp is also important to healthy ageing.  If you've been doing crossword puzzles all your life, doing more crossword puzzles will not improve your mental facility. The secret is to learn something new -- how to paint, how to play the piano, how to speak a foreign language. On the other hand, if you already play the piano, but don't do crossword puzzles, then starting to do crossword puzzles could be helpful.

Reading improves social skills, which is important for staying healthy and alert. Reading keeps our minds sharp, regardless of how much we've been reading before. And curiously, even though reading is a solitary activity, somehow it also improves our social skills. And we all know that having an active social life helps us stay healthy and alert. So maybe joining a book club is the answer.

Brain Habits 2

 We know that a bad diet and a perpetual indentation on the couch aren’t good for you or your brain. Work on the good habits and get rid of some of your bad habits to help your brain stay healthy.

Bad Habits to overcome:

Quality sleep is lacking. Consistency is one important marker of good quality sleep: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Shift work, changing time zones, chronic stress and too much caffeine or alcohol can all throw off your rhythm. So, too, can sleeping in a room that’s not cool or dark enough. And if you have symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring or daytime sleepiness, see a doctor. Getting a good night’s sleep is a good habit but we also need quality sleep to help our brain.

Turn down the Mic. If it’s bad for your ears, it could very well be bad for your brain. In a study of 639 adults ages 36 to 90, mild hearing loss was associated with a nearly twofold likelihood of dementia.  As a rule, if someone else can hear sound from your earbuds, they’re too loud so, turn them down.

Monitor your use of medicines. A wide array of drugs, including tricyclic antidepressants, some overactive bladder medications, and some over-the-counter antihistamines can block the actions of acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for learning and memory. A study found that a higher cumulative use of these drugs was associated with increased incidence of dementia. If you regularly take a number of these, it makes sense to ask your doctor about the risk of anticholinergics and to discuss whether you should explore alternate medications or other options.

You don’t have a sense of purpose. When we’re younger, it seems like everyone was relying on us. But when we get older, freedom from those responsibilities can have a darker side. Having a reason to get up in the morning, knowing that people are depending upon you, feeling that you are making important contributions can contribute to healthy aging. Researchers at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago found an association in people who scored high on a purpose-in-life assessment: They were approximately 2.4 times more likely to remain Alzheimer’s-free than those with low scores. 

If you’re feeling a distinct lack of purpose, do your brain a favor by embracing some new responsibilities. Find a new opportunity by using the time and energy not spent on child-rearing or working to get a pet, explore a passion project, volunteer, or travel.

You do not floss. Do you roll your eyes when your dentist tells you to floss? A 2022 study found that poor periodontal health and tooth loss appear to increase the risk of both cognitive decline and dementia. The Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes per session, flossing daily, limiting sugary beverages and snacks, and keeping up with dentist appointments.

Cut back on the Booze. Even light to moderate drinking can cause reduced brain volume, according to a 2022 study by the University of Pennsylvania. The researchers found that half a beer per day was enough to trigger these changes — and that the link grew stronger the greater the level of alcohol consumption. So, a 50-year-old who went from one drink a day to two experienced associated changes in the brain equivalent to aging two years. And increasing from two to three drinks at that age was like aging the brain by three and a half years. Cutting back on alcohol is a smart strategy for brain health, try it.

Healthy Brain habits 1

What habits are good for the brain?

Exercise regularly. Stay physically active.  

Get plenty of sleep to help manage stress, sleep plays an important role in your brain health.

Eat a Mediterranean diet or any healthy diet.

Stay mentally active and find ways to stimulate your brain.

Remain socially involved.

Quit smoking.

Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

We know that a bad diet and a perpetual indentation on the couch aren’t good for you or your brain. Work on the good habits and get rid of some of your bad habits to help your brain stay healthy.

Bad Habits to overcome:

Dwelling on the negative. Pondering on hatreds, dislikes and destructive thoughts has been linked to a decline in cognition and memory in people older than 55. The study found that those who repeatedly dwelled on negative thoughts had more of the biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease.

From time to time, it is normal to engage in negative thinking, but this is a changeable behaviour. The next time you’re overtaken by negative thoughts, you do the following:

Make a list of five specific things that you are grateful for and focus on those.

Take some deep belly breaths, try a new task or change your focus to something in your environment.

When a negative thought pops up, greet it with “Hello,” 

Ignoring the science about vaccinations. It’s estimated that more than half of Americans blew off the flu shot during the 2021 flu season, and many people are hesitant about keeping up with COVID-19 boosters. But opting out of vaccinations may be a missed opportunity to keep your brain healthy.

A recent nationwide study of adults over 65 found that people who received at least one influenza vaccination were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Other researchers have found that people ages 65 to 75 who had received the pneumonia vaccination had a 25 to 30 percent reduction in their chance of developing Alzheimer’s.

A sweet tooth beckons.  I love having a tall glass of orange or other sweet fruit in the morning and many of us include a tall glass of orange juice for breakfast. A 2017 study associated sugary beverage consumption with poorer episodic memory as well as lower total brain volume and hippocampal volume. And 2022 research found that sugar-sweetened beverages like soft drinks, sweetened tea, fruit drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks were all significantly linked to declined cognitive function. It may be far better to eat whole fruits, not drink their juices. 

False economic thinking

 According to a report by the Senior Advocate of the one million seniors in BC, half live on $31,000 or less per year or between $1,700 to $2,500 per month. As we age, our ability to earn extra money through work declines. Pensions may not be indexed, with little flexibility for income growth. Unexpected health care or housing expenses may amount to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars leaving our lowest-income seniors living in poorly heated and maintained properties, without phone or internet, and further having to choose between buying proper food or needed medications, or in some cases, incontinence supplies. Living in these conditions leads to social isolation and a downward spiral of poor health, thereby creating further demands on our health care system.

I met a 94-year-old the other day and I asked him about his story. He told me of his time in the mines, his 8 books he has written and the fact he gave up his licence abut 20 years ago. He now relies on his E-Bike and his wife to drive him around. As we reach the age of 75 years, older adults gradually start giving up our drivers’ licenses and thus need alternative methods to visit health care and other business and services in our communities.

In British Columbia we had the privilege this year of celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the BC Old Age Pensioners Organization and the 75th Anniversary of the BC Government Retired Employees Association, reflecting the long and storied history of the advocacy by seniors groups for incomes sufficient to support a dignified retirement. At present we understand 250,000 Canadian seniors have greatly reduced incomes due to bankruptcies of companies such as Nortel and Sears and therefore increase the costs of other government programs such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement. By protecting pensions from bankruptcy, the government will save money.

Ageing in Place in Canada, thinking about health and staying connected

 Staying connected

Staying connected to friends, family and community provide many benefits as you age. Social connections with community members of all ages can support physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.

There are many ways to stay connected. These include having coffee with friends, joining support groups, taking part in recreational activities at your local seniors’ centre, taking general interest courses, working part-time or volunteering with a community program.

Staying healthy

Being active, eating well, and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of health problems and increase your energy levels.

For example, moderate, regular walking is low-cost, simple and one of the most popular ways to be physically active. It may also help you manage some health conditions.

Speak with your health care professional before starting an exercise program if you have health concerns or have been inactive for a while.

Good nutrition also helps to improve mental and physical well-being. Talk to your health care professional or a registered dietitian about how you can make sure your nutrition needs are being met.

•                    Am I eating well?

•                    Am I taking time to exercise regularly?

•                    Do I need to add more exercise to my daily routine?

•                    How can I safely stay active in different seasons (summer or winter)?

Ageing in Place in Canada, thinking about supports

 Thinking about supports

Some older adults find that they need some help with the day-to-day activities of living independently within their own homes.

The support and services people may need as they age will vary, as will the costs. Services and supports range from private (out-of-pocket) expenses to those offered through health care and social service systems.

When developing your plan to age in place, you should understand the supports and services you may need. Find out if they are available in your community and think about how much they will cost. A good place to start looking for information is at your local seniors’ centre or your health care provider.

Some assistance with support may be available through the government, but remember that not all seniors are eligible for all levels of assistance, and not all supports and services are covered or available in every community. Some services may be subsidized or there may be a cost involved, depending on your need and/or income. Your local seniors’ centre or health care provider can help you determine your eligibility for assistance.

•                    What supports and services are available in my community to help me with daily activities such as shopping, cleaning, yard care or snow shovelling?

•                    Where can I get help with bathing, grooming or other personal supports?

•                    How much will these services cost?

Ageing in Place on your terms

Ageing in place means having access to services and the health and social supports you need to live safely and independently in your home or your community for as long as you wish or are able. If you are a near senior or senior who is thinking about ageing in place and would like to know more about what you may need to do to prepare for your later years, this booklet is for you.

Thinking about the future and being prepared will help you to make the most of your later years and have more control over your decisions. Planning will give you the best chance to have a satisfying and positive experience as you age and will help you to age in place.

The Federal government create a booklet that includes a checklist to help you review your plan, if you have one, and to help you think about what you can do now to improve your life as you age. It is based on the experiences of people like you, who have shared their thoughts about planning and preparing for their older years. You can download this booklet by going online: publicentre.esdc.gc.ca

The booklet  is available on demand in multiple formats (large print, Braille, audio cassette, audio CD, e-text diskette, e-text CD, or DAISY), by contacting

1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105.

Thinking about what you would like your life to be like in 10, 15 or 20 years, and what you might be able to do now to give you more control over future changes, will help you to maintain your health and independence for as long as possible. Having a plan to age in place could prevent you from having to make hasty decisions in the future, especially when dealing with change resulting from a crisis.

Ageing in Place in Canada, thinking about being safe, caring for others

 Staying financially secure

Understanding and planning for future expenses and staying informed about available income sources will help you maintain your desired standard of living.

Income sources may include personal retirement savings and investments, private and public pension plans, and other financial assistance.

There are provincial and federal tax credits as well as income supplements available to eligible seniors. Additionally, many private and public services offer seniors discounts.

•                    What income will I need to maintain my desired standard of living as I age?

•                    Do I have a financial plan that includes a plan for addressing emergencies

•                    or possible out-of-pocket expenses to support my ability to age in place?

•                    What assistance and benefits are available to me?

•                    Am I receiving all the assistance and benefits that I may be eligible for?

Staying safe and free from abuse

Even though people of all ages experience fraud and abuse (including financial abuse), older adults may be particularly vulnerable.

There are many good sources of information available to help seniors learn to protect themselves from fraud and abuse.

Ask at your local library or seniors’ centre, or check online for further information.

Caring for others

Many of us take on a new responsibility as we age – the role of caregiver to a partner or family member.

Talk to your family and friends about your plans and wishes, and understand the plans and wishes of the people you care for.

Planning for your caregiving role and being aware of community health resources can help support you in this new role.

Caregiving can be stressful, but knowing where to get help and information can make it easier.  Where can I find more information about ageing in place?

•                    Learn about the programs and services to support ageing in place offered by your local, provincial or territorial government.

•                    Local seniors’ centres or public libraries can also help you find out about the services available in your community.

For more information related to seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca or your local Service Canada office.

Tech Enhanced Life

 I am a Longevity Explorer, and it is an interesting and exciting group. They are part of Tech-enhanced Life. This is a company that is exploring the future of aging and the intersection of aging and technology. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families

What We Do

We create insights for older adults (published on this website) — with an emphasis on pushing off the day at which getting older impedes living life to the full.  

We provide advisory services for companies — that want to develop products and services that older adults actually want, need, and will pay a premium for.  

We enable, and lead, the Longevity Explorers: a unique sharing, evaluation, and ideation community—made up of older adults (in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s), and their friends, families, and caregivers.

About The Company

Tech-enhanced Life, PBC is a Public Benefit Corporation, incorporated in Delaware, USA. This relatively new class of corporation combines the features of a mission-driven, non-profit organization with the focus and innovative spirit that comes from being a for-profit business. As a PBC, we have a dual purpose: making our shareholders happy, while also focusing on our mission.

The specific public benefit purpose of the corporation is to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families.

We believe in the power of market-driven capitalism as a force for change, which is why we are a PBC rather than a conventional non-profit organization. While our business model is still a work in progress, we expect to share the economic benefits of this adventure with the members of our collaborative community — and especially with the Longevity Explorers.

We are based in Silicon Valley but aspire to create a global community that can make a real impact on the quality of life of ageing people around the world.

The Underlying Idea

We believe that there is huge potential for the development of clever new products and services that will improve the quality of life of all of us as we age.

Unfortunately, all too often the people who understand the problems, and the people who could solve those problems, inhabit different worlds.

We want to bring these groups together and work collaboratively to identify and/or help create new solutions to the challenge of living longer, with higher functionality — at costs that are affordable to individuals and to nations.

Collaborators & Contributors

The Tech-enhanced Life website is how our community of Longevity Explorers share what we learn with older adults around the world. It is also a platform where experts, evaluators, makers — and others interesting in improving the quality of life as we age — share their learnings.

We publish learnings from our community of Longevity Explorers, as well as insights from domain experts, and original research by our internal analyst team and other collaborators. We especially like to publish explorations by citizen evaluators of product categories, and “hacks” by makers trying to improve their own quality of life, or that of their parents.

I recommend that if you are interested in helping seniors age in place, this is a great place to start. Join us at https://www.techenhancedlife.com/user/register?destination=home