I suppose the question is answered best by who is answering it. I have one friend who is 85 and counting and that gentleman who mentored me many years ago in the Federal service is just as mentally alert as he was when I first met him. By the time I met Mr. Brown he had already retired twice and was heading towards his third federal retirement. He was quite a savvy fellow who knew the mysteries of the stock market. I often sat as a very attentive student during lunch breaks to learn everything I could from him. He not only introduced me to the stock market and how money and resources really worked, he introduced me to something called -humanity in the workplace. As he gave me the benefit of his wisdom, I knew our meeting was meant to be because he was further underscoring the lessons that had been passed on to me from my mother.
Mr. Brown and I now make appointments to have our phone visits. They are long, engaging, informative, spiritual and funny. He lost his wife some 17 years ago and I hope my friendship helped him to weather that most difficult storm. The Browns were married for more than 4 decades. Mr. Brown visited his wife’s resting place at Arlington National Cemetery everyday for one year and then the visits never stopped but became less frequent as he knew life had to continue. The Browns had one wonderful daughter. I never stop thanking her for sharing her Dad with me.
Mr. Brown comes from a family of long livers on his maternal side. His mother was 98 when she passed away. His father died young of TB not reaching the age of 40. Mr. Brown has been my personal teacher through the Korean War and World War II. I am a history buff and absolutely cherish hearing history from a man who lived it. Mr. Brown is up on all the local and world news. He has no signs of his mental acumen failing him. Yet, I continue to read more and more about younger people who are being stricken by the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of Dementia and generally strikes persons age 65 and older. As the nation gets older and older and is living some 30 years beyond retirement, more and more individuals are facing the disease.  Quite recently, we heard about the young restaurateur and former model, Bea Smith, at age 63 now with advanced Alzheimer’s. Rushern Baker’s, (County Executive for Prince George’s County Maryland) wife has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Mrs. Baker is only 53 years old.
As federal retirees look forward to living longer in retirement, they also face the illnesses that often come with growing older. Staying active, eating right, being engaged with a zest for learning new things is often regarded as steps to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s or even avoid it.  Research is being done to study Alzheimer’s everyday.  Genetics may have a lot to do with what happens in our lives, but Dr. Oz believes that lifestyle outweighs genetics. By the way, Mr. Brown still walks 3-4 miles a day on his walker and he still drives to his appointments and outings. His back and legs are not as strong as they once were, when I was forced to break into a trot to keep pace with this disciplined Air Force gentleman.
May we all have the staying power of Mr. Brown.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know
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