According to Dr. Stephen Kritchevsky, Phd at WFU School of Medicine (J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging):

First, a person born in 1912 had life expectancy of 52 years. 43% reached age of 65 years.

A person born in 2012 has life expectancy  of 78 years and 67% will reach 65 years. *keep in mind that infant mortality skews both. If you live past infancy, you’re longevity increases incredibly.

Here’s sobering stuff: At 65 years of age, 1 in 8 have some form of alzheimers/dementia. By 80 years, 40%. I thought that was a little high, but I’m pretty sure that’s what I heard.

His tips to improve cognitive abilities: 1) exercise 150 minutes per week. 2) Lift weights starting now. He said they can get 90 year olds to double their strength with an easy regimen.  3) Eat diverse foods to get your nutrition. He doesn’t believe in these “5 Super Food articles”. 5) Get Vitamin D & B12, multivitamins will give you sufficient amounts. Older folks tend to be low on both. 6) Eat less than you want to eat. Obesity will hurt your cognitive abilities.