The Voice - Is Tom Jones still with it?

[MusicLife80]

I’m just catching up on The Voice, what’s keeping Tom Jones going? A whole team around him?

I don't get what you mean.

With his age. Cognitively he seems so with it. I have Grandparents in their late 80s, still physically strong but starting to display some slowing down and perhaps not cognitive decline as such but not as sharp as they used to be. He seems very on it for his age!

Cognitive decline is not a given for everyone as they age.

My granny was 101 when she died and she was sharp as a tack. Sure there was a physical decline but definitely not a cognitive decline. It's not inevitable.

This. ^ Some people will need help and care by their mid 80s, but it's not a given. I know several people this age (and older,) who are as smart and sassy and 'with it,' as people 4 or 5 decades younger ... Sharp as a tack they are.

Cognitive decline is not a given for everyone as they age.

Exactly.
You do realise that it's only on MN that everyone is starting to dement once over the age of 50, don't you, OP?
The majority of people aged 80 and over in the real world have normal cognition.
Thick people will remain thick, but that's not the same as cognitive decline.

I know a man just passed his 105th birthday and still reading the paper every day and discussing world affairs like they really matter to him (which they do).
No cognitive decline at all. Physical yes, by now, but brain still totally functioning.

I have a lovely friend who is soon going to turn 80, she is as sharp as anything and physically you'd think she might be 15 years younger, easily. She's more than 20 years older then me and I don't see much difference between us!

He's 84, has a lot of cash that will help with health issues, hasn't retired so still has a purpose, will have PA and others around him to make sure needs are catered for. Not in the same boat as many.
In terms of mental health and acumen, I know many still "with it" who are a similar age. Luck, genes, circumstances but support, whether financial or friends, makes a huge difference.