Thriving at 96: Lessons on Longevity and Vigor from a Doctor Who Still Takes the Wheel

Okay, I’ve analyzed the HTML snippet you provided. Hear’s a breakdown of what it represents and what’s happening:

Overall Structure

This HTML appears to be a section of a webpage, likely from Business insider. It focuses on displaying article “teasers” or “touts” (short previews of articles). These are presented horizontally and use placeholder images while loading.

Key Elements and Attributes

* <article>: The main container for each article teaser.
* data-component-type="tout": Identifies this as a “tout” component.
* data-load-strategy="exclude": Suggests that these are initially excluded from loading (perhaps loaded on-demand as the user scrolls).
* class="tout style-loading as-horizontal as-placeholder with-ungrouped-text": CSS classes defining the style and layout of the tout. style-loading likely indicates the tout is in the process of loading. as-horizontal means they are displayed side by side and as-placeholder denotes that images are placeholders.
* data-post-id="post": Seems to be a placeholder value for the actual article ID.

* <span class="tout-image">: Contains the image placeholder.
* <div class="lazy-holder lazy-holder-4x3">: A container for the image, likely used for “lazy loading” (loading images only when they come into view). lazy-holder-4x3 suggests a 4:3 aspect ratio.
* <img class="lazy-image" ...src="https://www.businessinsider.com/public/assets/logos/placeholder.png">: The actual image tag. Currently, it’s pointing to a placeholder image. The viewbox attribute suggests responsive scaling..
* <noscript>: used to provide an image for users who have JavaScript disabled. This ensures a basic image is displayed even without JavaScript.

* <h3 class="tout-title font-weight-garnett-500">: Contains the article title.
* <span class="tout-title-link">: The link to the full article. The text “Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know” is being shown as the link text.

* <p> and <h2>: Following the article teasers there is a paragraph discussing someone named Eliasoph who recently retired and spends his time painting and writing. Following that is a heading indicating that they will discuss what Eliasoph eats.

What’s Happening

1. Placeholder Content: The code initially displays placeholder images and titles. This is a common optimization technique to improve page load speed. The actual content is loaded dynamically using JavaScript (due to the lazy-holder and data-load-strategy attributes).

2. lazy Loading: the lazy-image class and lazy-holder div indicate that images will be loaded only when they are close to being visible in the browser window.

3. JavaScript Dependency: The behavior of loading the full article content and replacing the placeholders relies on JavaScript being enabled in the user’s browser.

4. Article Teasers: Two identical article teasers are present in the code you provided. This suggests a pattern is being used to display multiple article previews.

this code represents a section of a website designed to present a list of article previews in a visually appealing and optimized manner. It utilizes placeholder images, lazy loading, and JavaScript to deliver a smooth user experience.

What specific lifestyle adjustments has the author observed in colleagues that contribute to thriving in advanced age?

The Power of Continued Practice: A Physician’s Perspective

as a physician myself, witnessing colleagues – and experiencing firsthand – the benefits of continued engagement with life and work well into advanced age is profoundly inspiring. The notion of “retirement” as a complete cessation of activity is increasingly being challenged. Maintaining purpose, intellectual stimulation, and physical activity are cornerstones of a vibrant, extended lifespan. This isn’t about defying aging; it’s about optimizing aging. We’re seeing a shift towards active aging and healthy longevity.

Maintaining Cognitive Function: The Brain’s Need for Exercise

Cognitive decline isn’t an unavoidable consequence of aging. Just as our bodies need exercise, so do our brains. Several strategies are crucial:

* Lifelong Learning: Continuously challenging your mind with new information and skills. This could involve learning a new language, taking online courses, or pursuing a new hobby. Studies show this builds cognitive reserve, delaying the onset of dementia.

* Social Engagement: Strong social connections are vital for brain health. Regular interaction with friends and family stimulates cognitive function and combats loneliness, a significant risk factor for cognitive decline.

* Mental Stimulation: activities like puzzles, reading (accessing publications like The Guardian and The Atlantic online offers convenient access to quality journalism), and strategic games keep the mind sharp.

* Mindfulness & Meditation: Reducing stress thru practices like mindfulness and meditation can protect brain cells and improve cognitive function.

The importance of Physical Activity for Longevity

Physical activity isn’t just about maintaining muscle mass; it’s about overall health and vitality. The benefits are extensive:

* Cardiovascular Health: Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

* Bone Density: Weight-bearing exercises help maintain bone density, preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures.

* Muscle Strength & Balance: Maintaining muscle strength and balance is crucial for preventing falls, a major cause of injury and disability in older adults.

* Improved Mood & Mental Health: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and can definitely help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The type of exercise matters. A combination of aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, cycling), strength training, and flexibility exercises is ideal. Even moderate activity, like a daily brisk walk, can make a significant difference. Exercise for seniors should be tailored to individual capabilities and health conditions.

Nutritional Strategies for a Long and Healthy Life

Diet plays a pivotal role in longevity. A focus on whole, unprocessed foods is paramount.

* Mediterranean Diet: This dietary pattern, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, is consistently linked to improved health and longevity.

* Protein Intake: Adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining muscle mass, especially as we age.

* Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for overall health and cognitive function.

* Limiting Processed Foods, Sugar & Saturated Fats: These contribute to inflammation and increase the risk of chronic diseases.

* Vitamin D & Calcium: Crucial for bone health, particularly as absorption decreases with age.

Consider consulting with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan. Anti-inflammatory diet principles are particularly beneficial.

The Role of Preventative Healthcare & Regular Check-ups

Proactive healthcare is essential for identifying and managing health risks early on.

* Regular Medical Check-ups: Annual physicals and screenings can detect potential problems before they become serious.

* vaccinations: Staying up-to-date on vaccinations protects against infectious diseases.

* Medication Management: Reviewing medications with your doctor regularly to ensure they are still necessary and appropriate.

* Early Detection of Chronic Diseases: Screening for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.

The Power of Purpose and Social Connection

Beyond the physical and mental aspects, a sense of purpose and strong social connections are vital for well-being.

* Volunteering: giving back to the community provides a sense of purpose and social connection.

* Maintaining Hobbies & Interests: Engaging in activities you enjoy keeps you mentally stimulated and provides a sense of