Page 156 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

140 • Chapter 5

for our bodies to adjust to new temperatures. That is why
when you go to another part of the country on vacation, it
takes about three days for your body to adjust to the new
temperature and humidity.

Photo courtesy of the Coon family

Older and Wiser

Dr. Jesse Coon is an excellent example of the benefits of exer-
cising. A retired Texas A&M University professor, Jesse is 88
years old and an avid swimmer. He is in the 85- to 89-year-old age
group of master swimmers, holds world records in the 50-meter
and 100-meter butterfly, and holds national records in the 50-,
100-, and 200-yard butterfly and the 100- and 200-yard individ-
ual medley. Dr. Coon set these records in 1998, the year he turned
86, and they are still unbroken. He is looking forward to setting
new records in the 90-and-older class.
Dr. Coon does not limit himself to swimming. He cross-trains
with weights, is known as Captain Moonlighter in local sailing cir-
cles because of his devotion to sailing (and especially enjoys the
moonlight excursions), and loves to dance. He is very active in his
church and volunteers his time going to nursing homes and visit-
ing with the patients.