This is a question that concerns us all. Maybe some of us have our plans for the next 10-20 years, perhaps we want to retire when we re still well and fit...

Do you have research papers on how we can continue to be fit physically and mentally? Let's share. Please help to make a good research related thread that is approved by RG. Thanks.

Dear Miranda. This is certainly our goal in life. 

We do spend so many hours per day sitting at the computer, standing as we teach and at the lab for research...

I do keep a precious moment for myself at dawn to exercise, swim and practice yoga... I wonder if that is enough....

I do wonder if I will be granted health and fitness as  I retire... 

Maybe it is a question of psychologic acceptance of our ageing.

Maybe it takes some (great) amount of wisdom. (Psychological fitness...)

Hello Miranda

I think that this sort of thing needs to be sufficiently 'do-able' so that good intentions become long term (re your question, not just for scientists?)

These are some recent papers: 

Morgan, A. L., Tobar, D. A., & Snyder, L. (2010). Walking toward a new me: the impact of prescribed walking 10,000 steps/day on physical and psychological well-being. Journal of physical activity & health, 7(3), 299-307.

http://journals.humankinetics.com/AcuCustom/Sitename/Documents/DocumentItem/18036.pdf

Seco, J., Abecia, L. C., Echevarría, E., Barbero, I., Torres‐Unda, J., Rodriguez, V., & Calvo, J. I. (2013). A long‐term physical activity training program increases strength and flexibility, and improves balance in older adults. Rehabilitation Nursing, 38(1), 37-47.

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/235386153

In this paper, the regime was not continued:

Bocalini, D. S., Serra, A. J., Rica, R. L., & Santos, L. D. (2010). Repercussions of training and detraining by water-based exercise on functional fitness and quality of life: a short-term follow-up in healthy older women. Clinics, 65(12), 1305-1309.

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/49854263

This will be an interesting Q&A to follow

Very best wishes

Mary

Article Repercussions of training and detraining by water-based exer...

Article A long-term physical activity training program increases str...

Dear @Miranda, I do not have such ambitions to work for next 10-20 years. Aging will bring to me more satisfaction with my family, grandchildren hopefully, fishing and gardening. 

Anyway, here is a fine resource : Psychological health and well-being: A new ethos for mental health!

Thanks for the papers.  Yes, Mary and all, the exercises must be do- able.  And enjoyable, besides achieving some good results.

Dear Ljubomir and Maria, I have other work that I must do within my church community, and I will not be keen to work too many years and have no energy left for spiritual work.  Here, many of us wish to retire as soon as possible and continue to pursue things that we couldn't due to our job.  From mobile.

Dear Miranda, 

I have all these wise sayings by ancient Greek philosophers on my notice board to guide my life and all those around me, but they are difficult to translate exactly: they may lose their intended purpose after translation. All have few words with a lot of meaning.

"A healthy mind on a healthy body"

"Rush slowly"

"The slow has its own charm"

"Don't waste (your) time",  "Learn yourself", etc, etc

They are constantly quoted by Greek newspapers, newscasts, attached to the news as to give a warning or an explanation why some things are happening.

Dear Miranda, 

You are a positive and energetic researcher and the retirement is not going to create a challenge for you. Personally I believe that specific life events outside our control, e,g, loss of loved ones challenge our lives most. There your church activity and social support contribute  to your well-being. 

Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2015 Jul;15(7):895-901. 

Association between the physical activity and heart rate corrected-QT interval in older adults.

Michishita R, Fukae C, Mihara R, Ikenaga M, Morimura K, Takeda N, Yamada Y, Higaki Y, et al. 

Abstract: 

Aim

Increased physical activity can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and the mortality rate. In contrast, a prolonged heart rate corrected-QT (QTc) interval is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death and coronary artery disease. The present cross-sectional study was designed to clarify the association between the physical activity level and the QTc interval in older adults.

Methods

The participants included 586 older adults (267 men and 319 women, age 71.2 ± 4.7 years) without a history of cardiovascular disease, who were taking cardioactive drugs. Electrocardiography was recorded with a standard resting 12-lead electrocardiograph, while the QTc interval was calculated according to Hodges' formula. The physical activity level was assessed using a triaxial accelerometer. The participants were divided into four categories, which were defined equally quartile distributions of the QTc interval.

Results

After adjusting for age, body mass index, waist circumference and the number of steps, the time spent in inactivity was higher and the time spent in light physical activity was significantly lower in the longest QTc interval group than in the shortest QTc interval group in both sexes (P 

A scientist is usually equipped with an innovative mind & understands that life involves a continuous process of learning new things, teaching, facing new situations, and observation of novel ideas & events. With such broad horizons & ability to approach varieties, there is no fear from the age of retirement. I have seen many retired persons who have become more happy than when they were under the stress of work at a younger age simply because they did have positive thinking.

@Miranda, I think that the secret is to keep your mind always in tune with science without forgetting that we are not eternal in positions of responsibility and power.

It's very dangerous for a skilled practitioner to lose one's own social environment.My Dad who was obliged to retire in 50,suffered a lot.He was full of energy and experience and was successful in his work in Academy.Then he managed to find another adequate job so that he could serve people.I think,those people,who retired early (in 40-50) are socialized with difficulty.As a rule,managers try to employ an employee under 40 years of age.My Dad succeeded in finding a new job and he,having a lot of social guarantees and community care could support me in my graduating from the second University,treat my Mom for her illnesses and undergo a free cure and take the free waters at a spa and in the sanatoria.Besides,they did large purchases.Nowadays we-two middle-aged,qualified persons can live only paycheck to paycheck.Ordinary intelligentsia is afraid of future(pensions are scanty, and there are neither savings,nor profits, nor social guarantees). I agree with Dear Eraldo, nature,students,colleagues,hobbies,arts,books,dreams give positive thinking.Progress of our sons gives a meaning to our life.

iI am 49  and still far away from retirement!. year by year, we have seen that our students remain at the same age while we get older!.  We have seen our bachelor students become university professors and we feel good about it.. 

I think that we should stay mentally active and have a positive attitude even after our retirement.   

A man is not old until his regrets take the place of dreams.

- John Barrymore, "Good Night, Sweet Prince" 1943

Dear Ljubomir, thanks for the paper.  You are always answering our questions by providing what we need.  Anyone keen to collaborate with me on a research related to this question, please contact me.

Dear all, here are some good points from that paper provided by Ljubomir:

"..Standards in the NSF remained appropriate, and that the future emphasis for change would be in:

● promoting the mental health of the whole community (including abolishing

inequalities and delivering race equality in service provision);

● promoting social inclusion for people with mental health problems, improving their

employment prospects and opposing stigma and discrimination;

● improving services in primary care settings;

● improving access to psychological therapies;

● suicide prevention;

● provision of specialist mental health services (including in-patient wards, and services

for people with dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance misuse);

● addressing the needs of carers;

● taking forward the ‘New Ways of Working’ programme to modernise the mental

health workforce with new roles for key staff; and

● the use of better information and information systems."

Dear Mohamad El Naschie, I am glad that you prove that 'retirement' is the beginning of hard work and a satisfying life.  Also that you are 'blooming' (like this pic), didn't die, but rather flourishing at this moment.

Dear Michael, thanks for wise sayings of ancient Greeks.  But I asked for papers, because I am keen to make a useful research from this thread.  And also to find collaborators, because it's a lot easier to work when there the labor is shared.

Dear Enzo, and all, do you have papers on this subject based on research in your localities?  Research papers are what I am looking for.  Thanks.

This is from Mary.  Many thanks.

"Healthy older women (trained (TR) group) were submitted to 12 weeks WE (three 45 min sessions per week) followed by a 6-week detraining period. A group of aged-matched women without any exercise training (UN group) were evaluated during the same period. The aerobic power, measured by VO₂max and 800 meters performance, and the neuromuscular fitness and quality of life were evaluated. All assessments were made at baseline, after 12 weeks of training and after 4 and 6 weeks of detraining.

No changes were found for the UN group during the follow-up study, but WE induced significant improvement in aerobic capacity, neuromuscular fitness and quality of life score. However, the upper and lower body strength, agility, flexibility, and body balance returned to UN levels (p > 0.05) after 6 weeks of detraining.

The results confirmed that 12 weeks of WE improves the functional fitness parameters and quality of life of older women. However, after a short detraining period of 4-6 weeks, the neuromuscular parameters and the quality of life score returns to baseline or untrained subject levels."

Dear Miranda,

Your question is important not only for elder peers but also for younger colleagues. My question is whether innate intention or outside circumstances influence/determine our well-being and how to conserve mobility, independence, physical and psychological health and well-being?

What can you do against unfavourable outer conditions?

June Breiner, MD, an internist in Maryland suggests, “Consult with a non-surgical skin care doctor. There are many products available that thicken your skin and reduce wrinkles.”

http://www.msn.com/en-in/health/fitness/13-ways-to-reduce-wrinkles/ss-AAelXIG?ocid=mailsignoutmd#image=5

 Dear Andras, here 'unfavorable outer conditions' are mainly a great lack of safety.  So I cannot exercise by jogging around my home area, as I can while I am in college.  In your cold climate, perhaps the good alternative is to use a treadmill at home.

This is a good paper, thanks again to Mary: "Walking Toward a New Me: The Impact of Prescribed Walking 10,000 Steps/Day on Physical and Psychological Well-Being Amy L. Morgan, David A. Tobar, and Lauren Snyder"

Actually this question deals with urgent issues that concern our independence as we age.  None of us want to be dependent on he young people around us.  They have their duties in this world.  This question is not about superficial things.  But there is hope.

"A 15-week program aimed at accumulating 10,000 steps/day improves cardiovascular performance and personal growth and also positively influences many variables that are indicators of health, fitness and psychological well-being."  (I need this type of papers.)

This has been posted privately to me.  I have shared this question with just a few persons including this RG friend.  My thanks to her.

"Dear Miranda, thank you for sharing this question.

For me as much as we keep working in research we will keep fit mentally, this is for sure. However, diet and exercise help to maintain mental and physical fitness.

Its not your age that makes you feel old, its the way you think and live your life that will reflect your actual age, and then you will decide if you are fit mentally and physically or not."

Dear Miranda, 

Marmot, Michael (2015). The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World . Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781408857991.

Marmot, Michael (2015). The Status Syndrome: How Social Standing Affects Our Health and Longevity . Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781408872680.

I remember that I read  that the most powerful thing relative to  healthy aging was living in a spacious apartment in case I understood correctly The Status Syndrome: How your social standing directly affects your health and life expectancy correctly. Marmot argues that socio-economic position is an important determinant for health outcomes. This result holds even if we control for the effects of income, education and risk factors (such as smoking) on health. The causal pathway Marmot identifies concerns the psychic benefits of "being in control" of one's life ( I answered previously that events out of our control makes us age) Autonomy in this sense is related to our socio-economic position. Based on comparative studies, Marmot argues that we can make our society more participatory and inclusive in order to increase overall public health.

In 2008, Marmot appeared in Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?,an American documentary series examining the social determinants of health that drew heavily from Marmot's work on the Whitehall Studies.

On the mouse-level I have one paper on aging: 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/14975114_Impact_of_age_and_situation-specific_experience_on_maze_learning_and_learning-sensitive_open-field_parameters_in_mice

Article Impact of age and situation-specific experience on maze lear...

Thanks dear Beatrice.  I am very encouraged by your words, and the papers that you contributed in the earlier post as well.  If possible, please place the links to the papers or abstracts.  Here, I don't have a research grant, and cannot obtain papers easily.  You are the psychologist!

@Beatrice, 

The posted article is about the mice?!. Miranada's question refers to aging in scientists. 

@Miranda, here are 2 articles and 1 book which you may find useful

Shephard, R. J. (1997). Aging, physical activity, and health. Human Kinetics Publishers.

Geda, Y. E., Roberts, R. O., Knopman, D. S., Christianson, T. J., Pankratz, V. S., Ivnik, R. J., ... & Rocca, W. A. (2010). Physical exercise, aging, and mild cognitive impairment: a population-based study. Archives of neurology, 67(1), 80-86.

Brown, D. R. (1992). Physical activity, aging, and psychological well-being: An overview of the research. Canadian journal of sport sciences.

Thanks for the papers, Behrouz.  I hope all of us will benefit in terms of knowledge and that it contributes to good health for all of us.  I have been busy reading and exercising.  The recent haze required me to reduce outdoor activity, but the heavy rain yesterday cleared the haze!  I know that many of us spend many hours at the PC, please take care.

Sitting too long at the PC makes us stay in that one position for eight to nine working hours every day.  And it contributes to high levels of LDL, cardiovascular diseases, and may shorten life by 7 years...but just imagine the suffering if we cannot walk, and cannot be INDEPENDENT!

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-health-issues-sitting-long-avoid/

Yes, you have to stand up or walk every second hour also on a flight

For your information dear Brother, the mouse is the best model for a human being, sometimes even better than the rat!

H.Kroto,R.Smalley,R.Curl, Nobel Prize winners discovered Fullerene C60(1996).It helps to make healthy and prolong life."Medical application of fullerenes"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2676811/

http://svetla.com/ru/o-vode/o-fulerenah/

A good article from Nature (Johnson, S. C., Rabinovitch, P. S., & Kaeberlein, M. (2013). mTOR is a key modulator of ageing and age-related disease. Nature, 493(7432), 338-345.)

The search for a way to delay human ageing has proven long and elusive. Although still far from certain, there is reason to be optimistic that mTOR inhibitors may accomplish this goal. mTORC1 inhibition slows ageing in yeast and invertebrates, extends lifespan in mice, and has an impact on a diverse array of age-related diseases.

Are we finally on the threshold of being able to fundamentally alter human ageing? Only time will tell, but if the pace and direction of recent progress are any indication,

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3687363/

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v493/n7432/full/nature11861.html%3FWT.ec_id%3DNATURE-20130117

Death rate.Life expectancy.The most important factor is wealth.There are gaps between the high-income and low-income countries.Let's go to Monaco(89,57).

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2066rank.html

http://www.geoba.se/population.php?pc=world&type=15

Top 10 countries and the reasons of longevity.http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/aging/senior-health-lifestyle/10-countries-with-the-highest-life-expectancy.htm#page=0

Dear Miranda,

Under unfavourable outer conditions I meant all the unpleasant and unjust things and conditions around as. Cold or windy weather is no matter. Evil people and evil life conditions influence much stronger even our survival.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

here is a very lovely and sweet quotation for you:

“It`s not how old you are, it`s how you are old.”

                                                                  ― Jules Renard

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

This is a strong advice by Dara Torres :

Dear Andras, I sympathize; here too and in many places, there are evil people and injustice.  At least you have more freedom of speech and press.  (Concerning the present refugee problem, there is no immediate solution.  But I pray for moderation.  There will be countries that are more able to take them in, and they should be contributing to the good of all, not bullying women and children.  But this is more suitable on other threads than this.)

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/11/germany-welcomes-immigrants-to-sustain-economic-gr/?page=all

Dear Hazim, dear Manuel,

What are the traditional herbs or spices from your countries that have been used to prolong health and longevity?  Do you have research papers on how potent these herbs are?  Have scientists been able to standardize active ingredients in those herbal preparations?  Please provide research papers.  I believe that you can find them.  You know that when I write up the paper, references and evidences are what I need, not just quotes and opinions.

What physical activities do the seniors engage in?  @Manuel, our souls are eternal.  (Thanks dear Irina, for your good wishes on FB.  Have a good day.  I will try to get back.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHX9cgVPdRU

Data TEN COMMONLY AVAILABLE MEDICINAL PLANTS IN MALAYSIA USED FOR...

Genetics, lifestyle and longevity: Lessons from centenarians

Both normal and exceptional longevity are influenced by similar genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors, life-style factors could exert advantageous and deleterious, as well as differential effects on longevity at all the three spaces — genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic. These changes could be measured using systems and reaction norm approaches.

It appears that lifestyle changes at the individual, family and population levels may have contributed disproportionately to world-wide increase in human longevity in the last few centuries.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212066115000022

Dear Berhouz, I personally think that lifestyle changes our philosophy of life and the way we look at problems. In turn, healthy lifestyles and healthy environments will bring positive thinking, and this is the essence of good longevity.

But healthy lifestyles wouldn't exist without healthy environments. (I don't much believe  of crowded smelly closed fitness rooms as healthy at all, even if they have become so fashionable...)

Dear Berhouz, I personally think that lifestyle changes our philosophy of life and the way we look at problems. In turn, healthy lifestyles and healthy environments will bring positive thinking, and this is the essence of good longevity.

But healthy lifestyles wouldn't exist without healthy environments. (I don't much believe  of crowded smelly closed fitness rooms as healthy at all, even if they have become so fashionable...)

Dear Miranda,

Good Day,

here are few articles and links relating to Arab medicine, you will find them very useful:

https://explorable.com/islamic-medicine

https://www.planetherbs.com/case-studies/a-history-of-herbalism-for-herbalists-part-1-how-the-arabs-saved-greek-sciences.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1475945/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1297506/

http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/history-of-islamic-medicine-zm0z98ndzhou.aspx

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_in_the_medieval_Islamic_world

http://www.totalhealthmagazine.com/Vitamins-and-Supplements/The-Return-of-GREEK-ARABIC-Medicine.html

http://www.scribd.com/doc/84499046/Handbook-of-Arabian-Medicinal-Herbs#scribd

http://www.fountainmagazine.com/Issue/detail/The-Revival-of-Prophetic-And-Herbal-Medicine

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"Because the biological mechanisms that affect our health and well-being are so dynamic, when people change their diet and lifestyle, they usually feel so much better, so quickly; it reframes the reason for changing from fear of dying to joy of living. Also, the support that patients give each other is a powerful motivator."

                                          ------Dean Ornish

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

I want you to think very carefully and deeply about these quotations:

“Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.”

                                       ~Josh Billings

“Time And health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.”

                                       ~Denis Waitley

Many scientific knowledge and experience certainly contribute to the progress of society and the community. The valuable experience of older scientists, academics, researchers must be consulted and used for the sake of humanity!

Dear Miranda , you asked for papers. Here are a few:

Brickey, M. (2000). Defy aging: Develop the mental and emotional vitality to live longer, healthier, and happier than you ever imagined. Ageless Lifestyles Institute.

Phelan, E. A., & Larson, E. B. (2002). “Successful aging”—where next?. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 50(7), 1306-1308.

Loe, M. (2011). Aging our way: Lessons for living from 85 and beyond. Oxford University Press.

Shephard, R. J. (1997). Aging, physical activity, and health. Human Kinetics Publishers.

Kramer, A. F., Hahn, S., McAuley, E., Cohen, N. J., Banich, M. T., Harrison, C., ... & Vakil, E. (2001). Exercise, aging and cognition: healthy body, healthy mind. Human factors interventions for the health care of older adults, 91-120.

Brown, D. R. (1992). Physical activity, aging, and psychological well-being: An overview of the research. Canadian journal of sport sciences.

Larson, E. B., & Wang, L. (2004). Exercise, aging, and Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 18(2), 54-56.

This is such a relevant question Miranda, not just for the scientists but for all, the communities and the countries. If one sector ( scientists ) reflections could be shared with others and vice versa, I am but certain that the humanity would benefit immensely. While in Germany, I gathered about  a research center  (Max Plank Institute)  taking special interest (http://www.age.mpg.de/) in handling the biology of ageing, the social and cultural aspects  are to equally play a role in sustainable ageing 

THANKS VERY MUCH to all especially for the papers that you have placed here.  I will go through all the literature and a lot more that I can get locally and decide on a related research topic.  If anyone is happy to collaborate, please inform.  (Sorry that I was not able to respond quickly, I have a cold; and still busy working to do follow up work with weak students.)

In our customs, we say: "Ask Knowledge from early Infancy to Death".

In this way, the brain remains youthful and active.

Is it true that some statistics show that many who read the holy books of heaven with thinking and foresight, have a minimum Alzheimer?!!

Dear Noureddine, can you please provide the interesting stats that those who read holy books have minimum Alzheimer?  Reading spiritual books may reconcile us with death, that it is the door to eternal life.

"The death of a neighbor, a friend, or a loved one brings us face to face with eternity. We dare not honor the life and death of another without being reminded of the fact that we, too, will die..."

http://www.adfm.org.my/Home/malaysian-scene

https://bible.org/seriespage/death-door-eternity-luke-1619-31

Mental Activity May Keep Older Brains Healthy

Simple mental activity such as reading, writing, playing games and doing puzzles may protect brain health in old age, according to a new study being presented at a meeting in the US this weekend.

The study, presented at the 98th scientific assembly and annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, is the work of Konstantinos Arfanakis and colleagues, from Rush University Medical Center and Illinois Institute of Technology.

"Reading the newspaper, writing letters, visiting a library, attending a play or playing games, such as chess or checkers, are all simple activities that can contribute to a healthier brain," says Arfanakis, an associate professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at Rush University Medical Center, in a press statement.

The results showed a significant link between the frequency of mental activity and diffusion anisotropy values: more mental activity was linked to higher values.

"Keeping the brain occupied late in life has positive outcomes," says Arfanakis, after explaining what they found:

"Several areas throughout the brain, including regions quite important to cognition, showed higher microstructural integrity with more frequent cognitive activity in late life."

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/253166.php

The results showed a significant link between the frequency of mental activity and diffusion anisotropy values: more mental activity was linked to higher values.

Although Margaret Thatcher had greater brain activity, this did not prevent her brain degeneration. Then, perhaps we should add  other important variables, like a good diet and physical exercise.

Have a nice time

Helena

What do you think about this: The man who wants to beat back aging!? I have decided to post it here, not under the thread about centenarians. This is because the research is done by scientists on scientists!

http://news.sciencemag.org/biology/2015/09/feature-man-who-wants-beat-back-aging

Dear Miranda, Ljubomir et all, 

According to "the flashes of death" from the portuguse Nobel Prize of literature José Saramago, we would see the drawbacks of living forever, like "living deads." However, according to "the Picture of Dorian Grey" , who would not want that just our picture get older but our appearance remaining over time!

Have a nice tiime, 

Helena

Dear Behrouz, I believe that you are right.  It's the same for the brains as with muscles and joints.  They improve with right use.  So there are RG folks who have retired but keep in touch with research on RG.  I intend to keep learning even when I retire.  Mohammad El Naschie wrote that he retired at 40, and went on to work really hard at his research!  What a wonderful retirement, a pension and more interesting work, less deadlines an you are your own boss.

Thanks dear Helena.  None of us like to look old.  Today I met Stephanie, who is back for summer holidays.  She emigrated to US many years ago, she is 71, still working for a supermarket chain.  She looks like 50 years old!  Her method: cream cleanser, mild toner and lots of moisturizer, sold by her supermarket!

Dear Ljubomir, many thanks for a great link.  It says many things that are interesting:

The Einstein team has identified, for example, variants in two genes associated with increased levels of high density lipoproteins (which have a protective effect on cardiovascular health in this population). They have found that centenarians more often carry a genetic variant that down-regulates insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1), part of a hormonal pathway that not only regulates growth, but also has been implicated in aging. They have also found that the families of centenarians produce unusually high levels of a peptide created in mitochondria, the cell’s power plants, and then released into the body; called “humanin,” it is one of several related mitochondrial proteins that may protect against aging...

By manipulating individual genes and measuring effects on life span, researchers could test the role of specific molecular pathways in aging. In perhaps the most dramatic mammalian example, Andrzej Bartke, a biologist at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, showed that mice with mutated growth pathways, which disabled both growth hormone and IGF-1, were much smaller—but lived much longer."

I believe that an important thing is do not blunt our mind with excesive work and take time to pray as a way of being well with God and ourselves.

How very true, @Mariano.  There's such a lot of work to do, and more work comes to us who work hard.  Less work seems to go to those who sit on the job and don't budge.  But we have to do an honest day's labor.  And I need to pray, because spiritual work is for spiritual persons.  Without prayer, the work cannot be accomplished.  (Yes, I remember that in the early days of NT, the disciples prayed.)

I wish all Muslim friends a meaningful Eid.  In Malaysia, we are multi cultural and we call this occasion: Aidil Adha.

Good to know about cats' power and influence to our health and well-being. What about dogs?

Dear Cecilia and Ljubomir, do you remember that Dr Maria Pires has a black cat and a white cat?  She has a long tiring day most days, so she needs both cats to help her relax.  But when the cat eats something wrong and vomits, Maria has more work than relaxation.

Ljubomir, here, dogs keep us safe; keep our homes safe.  This makes us feel secure, which is good for our BP.  Perhaps dogs are not able to perform the function of warning us from smokeless electrical fires; they may become 'hot dogs'.

Dear Ljubomir, 

This is why God gave us animals to lower our blood pressure. The advantage of dogs are well known but less well known is perhaps that also our fishes lower our blood pressure. When I look at my aquarium I feel their joy and easy living. 

Mariano, 

Porque así ha dicho el Señor DIOS, el Santo de Israel: "En arrepentimiento y en reposo serán salvos; En quietud y confianza está su poder." Pero ustedes no quisieron,.....Y no os adaptéis a este mundo, sino transformaos mediante la renovación de vuestra mente, para que verifiquéis cuál es la voluntad de Dios: lo que es bueno, aceptable y perfecto. 

We have though to live in the world and not to be overly spiritual?

The cat is especially beneficial for persons who are anxiety laden. I love my cat and my cat loves me (a happy couple). Animals are also beneficial for persons in home for elderly. Lonesome people can caress the animals and feel the affection the animals give them. 

Thanks for your posts, Beatrice and Cecilia.  I only had fish in an aquarium as pets, and it's true that watching their gentle movements is a relaxing past time.  But my cousin insisted on having a pet dog, although we grew up in a apartment on the 11th floor.  The dog was toilet trained.

Here, my Malay friends love cats as pets.  One of the Biology teachers has expensive foreign cats that participate in cat shows sponsored by Nestle.  And she sells the cats.  Old cats seem to be agile and never suffer from osteoporosis or osteoarthritis.  I hope that we will be free from OA.  

Strategies such as general exercise, robotic assisted training, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga, dance...can significantly improve the physical and mental health stability:

Šumec R, Filip P, Sheardová K, Bareš M. Psychological Benefits of Nonpharmacological Methods Aimed for Improving Balance in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review. Behav Neurol. 2015;2015:620674. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508472/pdf/BN2015-620674.pdf

Dear Miranda, 

I saw a document on 50 cats from UK. They tried to find out if cats prefer their cat friends versus human friends. The cats were more drawn to their human friends. 

Hope you have energy to continue your work without must rest.  

Inspired by @Barbara!

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

 Abraham Lincoln

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/abrahamlin137180.html#GCOQuMUESsl0opEX.99

Don't just count your years, make your years count.

George Meredith

Dear Beatrice, I can easily believe that cats prefer humans who care for them, and appreciate them.  Perhaps some humans prefer the company of cats.  But I've not had a pet cat.

"Animals play an important role in many people’s lives.  In addition to seeing-eye dogs and dogs that can be trained to detect seizures, animals can also be used in occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physical rehabilitation to help patients recover.1  Aside from these designated therapeutic roles, animals are also valued as companions, which can certainly affect the quality of our lives.  Is that companionship beneficial to our health?  The better we understand the human-animal bond, the more we can use it to improve people’s lives."

Dear all, thanks for the quote that it's the quality of the life that is important, not the number of years.  (Life has a spiritual dimension, besides the physical. -miranda.)

http://center4research.org/healthy-living-prevention/pets-and-health-the-impact-of-companion-animals/

Dear Miranda, 

According to my understanding the animal contribute to the excretion of the "well-being or -feeling" hormone oxytocin. 

https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

Article Stressful Life Events and Use of Physician Services Among th...

Article An Evaluation of Companion Pets with Elderly Psychiatric Patients

Article The Benefit of Pets and Animal-Assisted Therapy to the Healt...

I am only 2 years away from retirement but I do not have any fears when my life moves from the stresses & strains of work into a more relaxed free structure. I am not that person who cares about lifestyles & appearances that are cost-intensive. I'll try my best to take care of myself by keeping my body healthy through mobility & physical exercises. I wish not to burden any one of my relatives including my children.

Although I do not have specific plans for the future but I do not think that I'll go from working full-time to not working at all. Any persons or institutions that need my experience in teaching and/or research will be welcome. If no one is interested by then, I can work in things other than education. I just need God's help in the next phase of life, no more.

Guy MK, Page RL, Jensen WA, Olson PN, Haworth JD, Searfoss EE, Brown DE. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study: establishing an observational cohort study with translational relevance for human health. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2015;370(1673). http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/royptb/370/1673/20140230.full.pdf

Wood L, Martin K, Christian H, Nathan A, Lauritsen C, Houghton S, Kawachi I, McCune S. The pet factor--companion animals as a conduit for getting to know people, friendship formation and social support. PLoS One. 2015;10(4):e0122085. http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0122085&representation=PDF

Hodgson K, Barton L, Darling M, Antao V, Kim FA, Monavvari A. Pets' impact on your patients' health: Leveraging benefits and mitigating risk. J Am Board Fam Med. 2015 Jul-Aug;28(4):526-34. http://www.jabfm.org/content/28/4/526.full.pdf+html

Berg Pv, Kemperman A, de Kleijn B, Borgers A. Locations that support social activity participation of the aging population. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(9):10432-49. http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/12/9/10432/pdf

Cheung KS, Lau BH. Successful aging among Chinese near-centenarians and centenarians in Hong Kong: a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach. Aging Ment Health. 2015 Aug 27:1-13. [Epub ahead of print]. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13607863.2015.1078281?journalCode=camh20

Roh HW, Hong CH, Lee Y, Oh BH, Lee KS, Chang KJ, Kang DR, Kim J, Lee S, Back JH, Chung YK, Lim KY, Noh JS, Kim D, Son SJ. Participation in Physical, Social, and Religious Activity and Risk of Depression in the Elderly: A Community-Based Three-Year Longitudinal Study in Korea. PLoS One. 2015;10(7):e0132838. http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0132838&representation=PDF

10 foods that take away 10 years

http://www.msn.com/en-in/health/fitness/10-foods-that-take-away-10-years/ss-AAcsgja?ocid=mailsignoutmd

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"I believe that you can, by taking some simple and inexpensive measures, lead a longer life and extend your years of well-being. My most important recommendation is that you take vitamins every day in optimum amounts to supplement the vitamins that you receive in your food."

                                                                            ------   Linus Pauling

Dear Dr Nizar, I am certain you will always be happily occupied.  The suffering that we have undergone in our youth will yield a bountiful PEACE in our hearts.  I know that Ljubomir, Enzo are likely to retire in the not too distant future.  I wish you all a happy retirement.  LET'S BE PLANNING FOR A USEFUL HAPPY RETIREMENT.

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/2011/09/02/cultivating-the-right-retirement-attitude

@Manuel, I see that some researchers on RG who are supposed to have retired, but they are as busy as ever, doing research among other things.  I believe one of them is Kennedy.  I follow him, but he doesn't follow me.  That's ok, after all, this is social media.  (I believe that Ljubomir will have more time for fishing, and Enzo will have more time to cycle, when they really do retire.)

Dear Beatrice, I do agree about oxytocin.  In layman's language:

"Both a neurotransmitter and a hormone, oxytocin is often called “the love hormone.” Researchers from Claremont University in California have done extensive research on its impact on women, linking oxytocin release to life satisfaction levels. It may play a greater role in women’s physiology and happiness compared to men’s. Spending time with loved ones and being kind to others stimulates oxytocin. Don’t you feel good just reading that? Stress blocks the release of oxy­tocin, so manage your stress, too."

Read more at http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/mental-health/how-to-boost-your-happy-hormones#7obLHh3rWVjcLJt5.99

(See 4 other feel good hormones on the link.)

Park HK, Chun SY, Choi Y, Lee SY, Kim SJ, Park EC. Effects of social activity on health-related quality of life according to age and gender: an observational study. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2015;13:140. http://www.hqlo.com/content/pdf/s12955-015-0331-4.pdf

Wang L, Tao T, Fan C, Gao W. Does psychological need satisfaction perceived online enhance well-being? Psych J. 2015;4(3):146-54. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pchj.98/abstract;jsessionid=F8669BE3BA1C0EF0D18190AB11D16215.f04t01

Thanks @ Martin, for many related papers.  My internet has been very intermittent today.  Thanks @Umachandran and Hazim.  Food and vitamins are needed to stay alive and stay youthful.  Vitamins normally function as coenzymes for metabolic processes in our cells.  As humans age, the enzyme production may be reduced, and coenzymes will surely be helpful.  I CANNOT DISAGREE WITH THE ONE WHO WON THE NOBEL PRIZE ON 2 OCCASIONS, PAULING.  I will get into the papers sent by @Martin.  I will be back another time.  Thanks.

Thanks Martin, 

"Thus, need satisfaction perceived online may not transform into “real” happiness." That is why we need the cat!

Dear Miranda, 

Thanks, these natural smiles included pets!

Dear Miranda,

In my opinion, we should not forget the old, yet timeless rule, as expressed by the French physician Joseph Clément Tissot (1747–1826), “Physical activity can often be used to replace medicines; however, no medicine could ever possibly take the place of physical activity.”

Physical activity and telomere length:

Østhus IB1, Sgura A, Berardinelli F, Alsnes IV, Brønstad E, Rehn T, Støbakk PK, Hatle H, Wisløff U, Nauman J. Telomere length and long-term endurance exercise: does exercise training affect biological age? A pilot study. PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e52769. http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0052769&representation=PDF

Sjögren P, Fisher R, Kallings L, Svenson U, Roos G, Hellénius ML. Stand up for health--avoiding sedentary behaviour might lengthen your telomeres: secondary outcomes from a physical activity RCT in older people. Br J Sports Med. 2014;48(19):1407-9. http://cdn.bancodasaude.com/attachment/brjsportsmed2014sjgrenbjsports2013093342.pdf

Garland SN, Johnson B, Palmer C, Speck RM, Donelson M, Xie SX, DeMichele A, Mao JJ. Physical activity and telomere length in early stage breast cancer survivors. Breast Cancer Res. 2014;16(4):413. http://www.breast-cancer-research.com/content/pdf/s13058-014-0413-y.pdf

Loprinzi PD. Cardiorespiratory capacity and leukocyte telomere length among adults in the United States. Am J Epidemiol. 2015 Aug 1;182(3):198-201. http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/182/3/198.abstract

Loprinzi PD. Leisure-Time screen-based sedentary behavior and leukocyte telomere length: Implications for a new leisure-time screen-based sedentary behavior mechanism. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(6):786-90. http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2815%2900191-3/abstract

Loprinzi PD, Loenneke JP, Blackburn EH. Movement-based behaviors and leukocyte telomere length among U. S. Adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 May 12. [Epub ahead of print]. http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=9000&issue=00000&article=97752&type=abstract

Soares-Miranda L, Imamura F, Siscovick D, Jenny NS, Fitzpatrick AL, Mozaffarian D. Physical activity, physical fitness, and leukocyte telomere length. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 Jun 16. [Epub ahead of print]. http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=9000&issue=00000&article=97743&type=abstract

Loprinzi PD, Loenneke JP. Lower Extremity Muscular Strength and Leukocyte Telomere Length: Implications of Muscular Strength in Attenuating Age-Related Chronic Disease. J Phys Act Health. 2015 Aug 27. [Epub ahead of print]. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281310688_Lower_Extremity_Muscular_Strength_and_Leukocyte_Telomere_Length_Implications_of_Muscular_Strength_in_Attenuating_Age-Related_Chronic_Disease

Article Lower Extremity Muscular Strength and Leukocyte Telomere Len...

Dear all, Thanks for this much info on the thread.  As you can guess, I haven't surfaced from reading it all.  You can guess it has kept me busy.  I appreciate all the soft copies, thanks.

Beatrice, your pet is likely to keep you company for about 15 - 20 years.

"How long do cats live? Ageing and your feline. Cats are living longer than ever. With improvements in nutrition and veterinary medicine including vaccines and therapeutic agents, cats are living to over 15 years of age and in some cases over 20 years of age."

http://adelaidevet.com.au/pet-library/how-long-do-cats-live-ageing-and-your-feline

Dear Miranda, 

It does not look so good for the cat either: 

"Degenerative joint disease, or arthritis, is common in older cats. Although most arthritic cats don't become overly lame, they may have difficulty gaining access to litter boxes and food and water dishes, particularly if they have to jump or climb stairs to get to them. Cats with arthritis or joint disease may groom less and are less inclined to appreciate a pat over the back or tail area. Hyperthyroidism (often resulting in over activity); hypertension (high blood pressure); diabetes mellitus; inflammatory bowel disease; and cancer are all examples of conditions that, though sometimes seen in younger cats, become more prevalent in cats as they age. In humans, ageing changes in the brain contribute to a loss of memory and alterations in personality commonly referred to as senility. Similar signs are seen in elderly cats: wandering, excessive meowing, apparent disorientation, and avoidance of social interaction "

Nice saying from Eraldo 

“I am forever walking upon these shores,

Betwixt the sand and the foam,

The high tide will erase my food prints,

And the wind will blow away the foam,

But the sea and the shore will remain forever.”

― Kahlil Gibran, Sand and Foam

No One will ask how you aged but they ask what you left behind

Unknow Finnish-Swedish psychologist