Older Adults and Cognitive or “Thinking” Functions

My family has its share of “older adults” ranging from late 50’s to early 90’s. There were 13 siblings in my father’s family and 12 in my mother’s. There are 25 different levels of cognitive function. Any ideas on what makes the difference, especially by members in the same family?

First, research has shown that siblings are no more alike in personality than two unrelated individuals in the general population. Studies attribute this to the fact that each sibling really grows up in a “different environment.” You may want to refresh your memory on this topic starting with the March 8, 2021 blog. Second, studies have shown that epigenetics (everything that is not genetics) is responsible for about 70 percent of how well and how long a person lives; genetics contributing only about 30 percent. More tomorrow.