I'm 66. Like many other people with mind problems, I've indulged in many bad habits for relief. Now it's crunch time. There are many obvious things that I could do, but I don't know if it's too late. I find accurate, adequate and realistic life-extension information, specifically for seniors with mind problems, hard to find and assess.

So I'm starting this thread. My intention is to create a place where we can share (1) things our doctors tell us; (2) appropriate web resources; and (3) our own personal experiences, as well as asking questions that others may be able to answer.

All of the above is really general, while the more focussed specific question for all of us is this: Considering our prior bad or unfortunate habits, what (if anything) can we do at this stage of the game to prolong our active lives? Obviously stopping smoking is Number 1, Number 2, and Number 3, but what about other things?

Is it too late for exercise to have any life-extending possibilities for me? What about eating habits? Mindfulness meditation? Social interaction? All of these things, we know, will have a great effect if one is younger. Will they actually improve the quality of our senior lives or even extend them?

I've been an AARP member for years, and avidly consume their information products. But they don't have a subgroup for seniors with mind problems. Why does that matter? Because (I believe) seniors with mind problems have a different relationship with unhealthy habits than do others. The need for instant gratification is stronger among seniors with mind problems (I believe), many of whom (certainly including myself) rely on unhealthy habits for some relief from mental pain or discomfort.

Yet many of us are embarassed to admit ignoring our health in these ways. Modern society does very much look down on such unhealthy practices, viewing them as character weaknesses and sheer self-indulgence. Only we, afflicted seniors, know how hard it is to keep our heads above water without these unhealthy habits.

It would be easier for me, at least, to try to get rid of these bad habits if I knew there was still, at my age, a real payoff, a real advantage. And not just general reassurances either. No. I mean serious statistical backup for quantitative improvements in quality and length of life. I'm not only not interested in developing or radiating the kind of "holier than thou" attitude of so many people who always "do the healthy thing," I find it disgusting. I just want to try to do things that will keep me alive and walking around longer.

Can we share such information here? Can we answer questions here? I would very much hope we can and look forward to hearing about your experiences, the input you've received, and pointers to where we can find more detailed, professional advice on the web.

Take very good care indeed! Ygrec