The Next Big Idea Daily How to Grow Old
Nov 21, 2025
Sandeep Jauhar, a cardiologist and bestselling author, delves into personal experiences with his father’s Alzheimer's and shares compelling neuroscience insights on aging and its implications. He highlights how loneliness accelerates cognitive decline and discusses ethical dilemmas in dementia care. Joining him is Steven Petrow, a journalist who offers a humorous take on aging, stressing the importance of tech literacy and accepting help. He encourages planning to avoid being a burden and challenges ageist attitudes, advocating for a vibrant life beyond illness.
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Hypercognitive World Erases The Person
- We live in a hypercognitive world that prizes intellect and renders the cognitively impaired invisible.
- Sandeep Jauhar shows that loss of reasoning often erases social identity long before death.
Relationships Shape Dementia Risk
- Social isolation doubles Alzheimer's risk and shapes clinical dementia beyond brain pathology.
- Jauhar highlights psychosocial reserve (relationships, environment) as equally crucial to cognitive outcomes.
Treat Caregiving Like Real Work
- Recognize family caregiving as a de facto full-time job that often lacks support.
- Plan for financial and emotional costs since Medicare covers little of dementia care.
