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Study: Old Age Begins at 27

telegraph.co.uk

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Re: Study: Old Age Begins at 27

#21

Post by russell »

Allocator2008 wrote: post #2

If true, and I don't know enough about this area to comment, but if so, it seems for optimum gene selection, people should procreate (or at least freeze their genetic material in a lab for future use) prior to this age. I have often thought that perhaps the rise in mental disorders in children such as autism could be related to people waiting until later in life to have children, at which point, their DNA has already…

I think that, from the kid's point of view, it's better to be born to parents in their 30's. The genetic risk is small, but more than offset by the maturity and improved economic circumstances of the parents. It's not until the late 30's or 40's that genetic decline starts to be a serious risk.

Re: Study: Old Age Begins at 27

#22

Post by russell »

DanielBMarkham wrote: post #5

Lately we're finding good arguments for the idea that people start declining in abilities earlier than we thought. At the same time, there's a lot of work being done on life extension. What happens if we extend life to, say, 150 and what we get is this long, 100-year decline into complete cognitive paralysis? I'm 43 and I don't feel like I'm losing it. In fact, in some ways I feel more cognitively adept than I was at…

Wisdom is what it's called. After 40 your reflexes are slower and you are less likely to have your world shattering idea. OTOH you are probably a better judge of probabilities of success/failure, people's capabilities, and allocation of resources. Lot's of people are significant contributors into their 70's.

I dont think living to 150 means being 80 for 80 years. Probably middle age get stretched forever and the decline is about as fast and as long as it is now.

Re: Study: Old Age Begins at 27

#24

Post by weiser »

Ok, so certain mental abilities deteriorate. Maybe, some other mental abilities improve.

The problem with this research is that it is trying look at brain from a certain view point, ignoring all other view points. A more holistic approach would provide a better understanding of how mental abilities change over time.

Re: Study: Old Age Begins at 27

#25

Post by skalpelis »

ErrantX wrote: post #19
DanielBMarkham wrote: post #5

Lately we're finding good arguments for the idea that people start declining in abilities earlier than we thought. At the same time, there's a lot of work being done on life extension. What happens if we extend life to, say, 150 and what we get is this long, 100-year decline into complete cognitive paralysis? I'm 43 and I don't feel like I'm losing it. In fact, in some ways I feel more cognitively adept than I was at…

Some people are talking about the first person to live to 1000 being alive today... so, a 900 year decline? :) I think whilst you have a point you also neglect to factor in that with medical developments extending life we will also end up with developments in mental care/extension.

Aubrey de Grey, not some people.

Re: Study: Old Age Begins at 27

#27

Post by jaxn »

radu_floricica wrote: post #6

> Twenty-seven has long had negative connotations, as it is the age at which many popular musicians died, including Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain. Twenty seven is an interesting age. This much I knew for years before reaching it, and turned out to be true. I don't really know why, but it sortof makes sense. It's when you go from being a young man to a real adult. Strangely thou…

I died when I was 27.

Re: Study: Old Age Begins at 27

#29

Post by utx00 »

jaxn wrote: post #27
radu_floricica wrote: post #6

> Twenty-seven has long had negative connotations, as it is the age at which many popular musicians died, including Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain. Twenty seven is an interesting age. This much I knew for years before reaching it, and turned out to be true. I don't really know why, but it sortof makes sense. It's when you go from being a young man to a real adult. Strangely thou…

I died when I was 27.

you still haven't noticed?

Re: Study: Old Age Begins at 27

#30

Post by aneesh »

"Researchers have found that peoples' mental abilities peak at 22 before beginning to deteriorate just five years later."

The 5-year gap doesn't make sense. If you're at your peak at age 22, wouldn't you, by definition, begin to decline immediately after? :-)

I suppose you could level off for 5 years, but then it's misleading to call 22 a "peak".

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