ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the evidence that several chronic medical conditions frequently found among 3rd Agers have a negative effect on the intellect. It presents some unexpected findings about disability and the relationship of healthy lifestyle factors to optimal cognitive aging. Researchers in New York found that those middleaged patients who best controlled their blood glucose levels had the least cognitive decline and loss of brain volume. Elevated blood sugar and fatty acid levels, which elevate cholesterol readings, can cause hypertension and raise the risk of heart attacks, peripheral neuropathy, kidney disease, and other serious medical conditions. Frequent reference was made by the older adults in poor and fair health to the importance of mental challenges, another confirmation of the importance of a sound intellect for most older adults. A sense of well-being includes important elements like having an adequate energy level, engaging in satisfying activities, having people close to them whom they can count on, and maintaining intellectual competence.
