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This is On Point. I'm Deborah Becker in for Magnet Chakra-Bardi. Today we're taking up an age-old question about age.

Why is it that some people drastically deteriorate in their later years,

while others, like 98-year-old Lee Rushall seemingly do not?

I don't think about age myself.

I'm pretty much doing everything I used to do, except when I look in the mirror,

there's an old lady looking back at me, and I don't recognize that person too well.

Lee is an artist who just had a showing of her paintings in her hometown of San

Diego. She has no chronic diseases, a large group of friends, and remains independent and active.

I also like to do jigsaw puzzles, 1,500 pieces.

I knit, I read, I play games, I play cards twice a week,

and keep myself busy.

Lee says she really doesn't know why she's aged so well. My doctor that I used to have, she said I had good genes, but I don't see how that's possible.

Seems impossible, she says, because her parents both died of health-related issues before they were 70.

Her brothers passed away decades ago.

Lee says she doesn't do anything special to maintain her health,

...