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| 90-Year-Old Alzheimer's Patient Zelik Bocknek Keeps His Mind Sharp |
Staying Sharp with Alzheimer's: How an Active Lifestyle Helps Keep the Mind Strong
How 90-Year-Old Alzheimer's Patient Zelik Bocknek Keeps His Mind Sharp?
At 90, Zelik (Zel) Bocknek is living proof that an active lifestyle can help slow down the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Diagnosed six years ago, he continues to live with a vibrant spirit, keeping both his mind and body engaged in meaningful activities. From skiing and painting to volunteering and socializing, Bocknek credits his positive outlook and active lifestyle for keeping his mind sharp and his Alzheimer’s symptoms at bay. “It’s important to stay busy,” he says, and his story shows just how true that can be.
The Start of His Alzheimer’s Journey:
Bocknek, lives in Toronto, Ontario, was 84 when he started noticing small memory slips. He’d forget simple things, like what day of the week it was or the answers to basic questions. This led him to seek medical advice, and soon after, he was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s, marking the start of his journey with the disease.
But instead of slowing down or letting the diagnosis discourage him, Bocknek chose to fight back with a full, active lifestyle. He joined a clinical trial to test an experimental dementia medication called lecanemab (now known as LEQEMBI), which was officially approved in July 2023. Even though the trial ended 18 months ago, he’s continued taking the medication and hasn’t stopped doing what he loves. From downhill skiing to painting and volunteering, Bocknek has kept himself engaged in ways that go beyond just physical activity. These hobbies keep him mentally stimulated, too.
Keeping Active, Physically and Mentally
For Bocknek, physical activity is a big part of life. He has always loved skiing, and even at 90, he still tries to get to the slopes whenever he can. “Last year was the first time in over 70 years that I didn’t ski because it was such a mild winter,” he recalls, hopeful that this season will bring enough snow for him to return. Skiing isn’t just a way to have fun; it’s also a goal that keeps him motivated to stay fit. To keep himself in skiing shape, he regularly exercises at the gym, focusing on strength training and stretching.
Bocknek’s dedication to staying physically active is matched by his commitment to keeping his mind sharp. He’s passionate about painting, a skill he developed later in life. What began as simple paint-by-numbers projects has now grown into a collection of 75 unique paintings, many of which he has given to his six grandchildren. For Bocknek, painting isn’t just a pastime it’s a way to focus, be creative, and leave a legacy for his family.
Beyond painting and skiing, Bocknek is also an active volunteer. He dedicates time to the Toronto Zoo as a greeter, welcoming and guiding visitors, and he also volunteers at a local hospital. Volunteering gives him a sense of purpose and helps him connect with people in his community, which is a valuable way to keep socially active and engaged.
A Life of Connection and Friendship:
Staying socially active has always been important to Bocknek. He is an avid bridge player and plays regularly with three different groups throughout the week. Playing bridge not only brings him joy and friendship but also keeps his mind working as he strategizes and competes. “Bridge keeps me on my toes,” he said. For Bocknek, bridge is more than just a game it’s a way to maintain mental sharpness, stay connected with others, and have fun.
In fact, Bocknek credits his overall well-being to this balance of physical, mental, and social activities. His busy schedule isn’t just about keeping active; it’s about feeling fulfilled, challenged, and connected with the world around him. “I am what I am today because I have been very active throughout my life, both physically and mentally,” he explains. This sense of purpose and structure has given him stability and strength even as he faces the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
The Importance of Staying Positive and Laughing Through Life:
One of the most remarkable things about Bocknek is his positive outlook on life. Despite his diagnosis, he has remained optimistic, finding joy in the little things and sharing laughter with those around him. For Bocknek, humor is an essential tool for dealing with life’s ups and downs. “A sense of humor gets you through a lot of difficult times,” he says, a lesson he’s learned throughout his long, full life.
Bocknek’s advice to others is simple yet powerful: stay active and stay positive. He believes that laughter and staying busy are key ingredients to a good life, even in the face of health challenges. His active lifestyle and positive mindset not only help him manage Alzheimer’s but also inspire those around him to embrace life with energy and optimism.
Looking Forward with Hope:
As Bocknek continues his journey with Alzheimer’s, he remains hopeful about the future. He’s grateful for the medical advancements that have given him access to treatments like lecanemab, which he believes have helped him maintain his cognitive abilities. Yet, for Bocknek, the true secret to his well-being goes beyond medicine. It’s his daily commitment to staying active, engaged, and connected with the world that truly makes the difference.
With a life filled with meaningful activities, Bocknek has found a way to defy the odds, showing that Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to take away one’s spirit or joy. He continues to ski, paint, volunteer, and play bridge, making the most of each day. His story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the positive impact of staying active physically, mentally, and socially.
In a world where Alzheimer’s often brings fear and sadness, Zelik Bocknek’s life offers hope and inspiration. His message to others facing similar challenges is clear: keep moving, keep laughing, and keep connecting with the people and activities you love. Through his story, we see that even in the face of Alzheimer’s, life can still be full, vibrant, and meaningful.
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