Juan Ponce de Leon searched for the Fountain of Youth in Florida and to this day, the quest for any anti aging formula continues without let-up. Science has advanced since then and man has contained some of the dreaded diseases that cut short man’s lifespan. Man’s desire for immortality will always be there, whether he or she is in the teenage years, at the baby boomer years, or in the senior years. 

From the days of the Fountain of Youth explorations to scientific research of today, the quest for an effective anti-sging strategy continues and has spurred the continuing search and development of anti-aging agents or creams and other methods that are designed to prolong life. Are we there yet? Not yet, but as with most anyone else, hope springs eternal. 

Memory loss becomes doubly tragic especially when there are so many beautiful memories lost, both on the part of the affected individual and of the perception by others on that person. To some degree, memory loss and forgetfulness may be alright as one ages, but appropriate medical attention may be necessary, including ruling out Alzheimer’s disease or other diseases especially when even the routine activities of daily living are not done without any logical explanation.

In a 2001 World Health Organization report (Indian J Med. 2002;56:25-9), it was estimated that 37 million worldwide have dementia, the majority of which is accounted for by Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, including those related to memory, thinking, comprehension, language, learning capacity, calculation, and judgement. In perspective, the 2007 Alzheimer's Disease Facts by the Alzheimer's Association reported a US prevalence of 5 million, including 4.9 million over 65 years old and ~200,000-500,000 <65 years old with early onset forms of the disease and other dementias (this may even be higher due to possible under-reporting of the condition). The same report also provided an estimate of the cost of direct and indirect care for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias at >$148 biillion per year.  Obviously, age represents the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, which is the 7th leading cause of death in the US. Hopefully science and medicine will discover and develop the definitive cure for Alzheimer's disease sooner than later.

Although the majority of us have not yet reached the so-called “sunset years,” there are certain steps that we can do to have better living, whether in terms of years or of its standard or quality.  We can learn from the stories of people who have aged gracefully (eg, from our very own grandparents) or from stories on the internet of certain people who have consistently demonstrated high longevity thru the years (such as the high percentage of centenarian inhabitants of Hunza in Pakistan and of the Trascaucasia region in the former Soviet Union.

In addition to those derived from our own experiences, some of the general pearls of aging wisdom include:

• Having a positive well-being and disposition
• Adopting a healthy diet and exercise
• Educating yourself to be able to adapt fully to a changing world
• Pursuing and generating wealth
• Enjoying the fruits of labor in moderation
• Achieving a sense of greatness in actions and thoughts
• Mastering the art of relationships by strengthening bond with family/friends and conquering enemies and transforming them into allies
• Recognizing the blessings showered from God or a Superior Being depending on one’s belief system

Not necessarily in the order given, when utilized, these tools will likely lead to better living  and refinement of life. Quantity-wise and quality-wise.

Everyday we are barraged by new things, whether at work or in the internet. The pace of progress seems to accelerate even more as the collective mindpower of man comes up with either novel products or methods or even "improvements" over previous inventions.

Such situation makes it more daunting for the Ordinary Joe to keep up. One helpful tactic is SIMPLIFICATION and ORGANIZATION, especially in filing and record-keeping.  Easier said than done, but one right small step is better than procrastinating or not doing at all.

Trying to understand the basic fundamentals of a new concept/product may be more difficult, especially for the "techically-challenged". Having a mentor or a helpful resource individual can be a valuable tool.  But remember, like everything else, it all begins with YOU!