ABSTRACT
This chapter presents several longer cases of people who illustrate the qualities of optimal cognitive aging. Although interest in remaining physically vigorous for as long as possible is strong, much less is being said about optimal cognitive aging. Most older people who say they are in pretty good health are, in fact, usually in pretty good health. Most optimal cognitive agers felt superior to their contemporaries and considered their health to be better or the same as 5 years ago. Unlike about half of the US population who are not compliant, most optimal cognitive agers follow the advice that comes from regular medical checkups. A positive attitude and a zest for life in which they have found meaning characterizes optimal agers. A positive attitude about the aging process also predicts higher functional levels later in life. In the medical community, there has been a debate about the value of the annual physical checkup for older adults.
