Basil Odilim
Before retiring for the night, let’s reflect on why many academics engaged in lifelong research not only live longer but also maintain sharp cognitive abilities until the end.
Throughout history, we see a common pattern—those who continuously challenge their minds tend to age gracefully, retaining their mental acuity and leading productive lives well into old age.
Take Paul Samuelson (May 15, 1915 – December 13, 2009), the first American to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1970. He taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for decades, remaining intellectually active until his passing. Similarly, Noam Chomsky, born December 7, 1928, a renowned MIT professor of linguist and cognitive scientist, remains sharp in his mid-90s, frequently granting interviews and engaging in discussions.
Beyond economics and linguistics, this trend extends to fields like psychology and medicine. Hedda Bolgar (August 19, 1909 – May 13, 2013), a psychoanalyst, actively saw patients four days a week until age 102. Ralph Paffenbarger (October 21, 1922 – July 9, 2007), an epidemiologist and ultramarathoner, pioneered research on physical activity and longevity, maintaining both his scientific work and endurance sports into his later years.
Even today, we see examples of sustained intellectual engagement. Venki Ramakrishnan, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, cycles six miles daily at age 72, emphasizing a balanced lifestyle for cognitive and physical health. Henry Wynn, a statistician and professor at the London School of Economics, remained deeply involved in research and mentoring until his passing at age 79. Peter Hackett, who transformed the Camborne School of Mines, continued his intellectual pursuits in science and technology until age 90.
The sustained mental engagement of these individuals likely promoted neuroplasticity, enabling their brains to continuously adapt and self-cleanse, reducing oxidative stress and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
This underscores why we must actively challenge our minds, no matter our profession or stage in life. Thanks to modern tools like social media, we now have more opportunities than ever to engage in lifelong learning, intellectual debates, and knowledge-sharing. Whether through research, meaningful discussions, or digital platforms, keeping our minds stimulated is not just beneficial—it is essential for a long and healthy life.
