I live in a rural area and know / have known a number of people in their mid 90s who were still getting around pretty well, including climbing on their roofs to remove snow, etc. One in particular was really sharp-minded right up to his last year at 95.

There are a lot of factors, but there's a lot we can do to make that more likely for ourselves. Never guaranteed, but most of the diseases of the elderly are not simply caused by old age, there are contributing factors from lifestyle.

I don't want or expect to live forever but I want to have a sharp mind, good memory, and be as mobile as I can be right up to near the end, if I'm lucky, hopefully in my 90s or 100s.

> One in particular was really sharp-minded right up to his last year at 95.

imo this is not correct example. That guy just survivor who was not hit by many other health risks from leaving in rural area and climbing to roofs.

Good example would be someone who has good life basics (work/life balance, income covering all his basic needs, healthcare and safety), following good balanced fitness protocol (e.g. running + compound movements + rest + good split program) and healthy diet (fiber, protein, healthy-fats, micro-nutritions, reasonable calories).

I believe if we would have some A/B trial, we would see that this cohort would be healthier and more active by like factor 10x compared to avg Joe when reaching 70yo age.