My name is Howard Tucker.
Studies have shown that keeping one's brain stimulated may prevent many age-related cognitive impairments(认知伤害). I keep my brain stimulated by working, though for those who have retired or plan on retiring, a mentally stimulating hobby might be a suitable alternative. It is critical to know yourself and understand your limits and capabilities, but I firmly believe that retirement is the enemy of longevity(长寿).
With people continuing to live longer, it may soon be commonplace to see individuals working into their 80s, 90s and, in some cases, past 100, like me. I now spend my time teaching medical and law students at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and I prioritize staying current with the latest trends in neurology(神经学), my area of specialization.
Over the years I've had to adapt frequently to the changing technology, which isn't always easy for someone my age. Many doctors I've known simply retired because they did not want to learn how to use computers. But I believe that a desire to continue to learn is a must in one's later years.
While technology has made a huge impact on the practice of medicine, I still urge my medical students to listen to patients, take a thorough patient history and look at the patient while questioning him/her. Then, I would have them look at the imaging studies.
I believe I am wiser now, in the sense I am less judgmental and more patient with my medical students who have forgotten how to take a thorough patient history, the most important part of the examination.
Of course, I've had to make adjustments over the years. Pacing is important. It feels like only yesterday that I would be going on rounds seeing patients in the hospital at 5:00 a. m. Now with my 102nd birthday less than two months away, I find myself sleeping in. But I wake up at 8:30 am, ready to face the day ahead of me.
