Myths and Realities About Ageing and How to Live to 100 Dr. Samir K. Sinha MD, DPhil, FRCPC Director of Geriatrics Mount Sinai Hospital Provincial Lead, Ontario’s Seniors Strategy Assistant Professor of Medicine University 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. 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?

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 23

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 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!