Detail of Bergen from a photo by Alan Light.
Strokes can happen to people at any age, but they are more common among people as they get older.The Baby Boomers (b. 1946 to 1964) are at increased risk for strokes now that they are in their 50s and 60s.
Even though stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United Stats, that is a reduction from the 3rd leading cause just a decade ago. Great news!
With immediate treatment (within 1 to 3 hours) followed by rehabilitation (physical therapy, speech therapy and/or occupational therapy) people can survive and recover a great deal of function post stroke.
Note: I am not a doctor. If you have any concerns about your risk for stroke, see a licensed professional. If you have any signs of stroke, call 911.
Here are a few Baby Boomers who suffered strokes and survived, but with various degrees of recovery.
Candice Bergen (b. 1946). At age 60, Bergen suffered a stroke. She didn't tell anyone about it for five years, because didn't want to be "a liability." She concedes that her memory isn't what it used to be. However, she's doing well enough to work in film, television and even theater. She has three forthcoming projects in 2015, the year she turns 69.
Tim Curry (b. 1946). Conflicting accounts place the date of Curry's stroke sometime in 2012 or 2013, making him 65 of 66 years old at the time. Still a working actor, Curry has been doing voice acting for a half dozen or more films and television shows since that time.
Orson Scott Card (b. 1951). In January of 2011 at age 59, Card suffered a minor stroke that has affected his left hand just slightly. He continues his active career as a science fiction / fantasy writer and public speaker.
Mark McEwen (b. 1954). Radio and television personality McEwen suffered two strokes in 2005 at age 51. Initially, he was misdiagnosed with the flu, only to suffer a massive stroke while on an airplane. Fortunately, he survived and went on to write a book. He is very active in stroke awareness campaigns, which encourage people to recognize the signs and seek immediate medical care.
See this 4 minute interview about McEwen's stroke, recovery and advocacy work.
Sharon Stone (b. 1958). In 2001 at the age of 46, Stone suffered a stroke and reports that it took her "two years learning to walk and talk again." She was rumored to have suffered another stroke in 2014 at age 56 while in Brazil, but she has not confirmed these reports, and she has been actively working since that time. She has six forthcoming projects in 2015.
Brett Michaels (b. 1963). In 2010 at the age of 47, rock star Bret Michaels suffered a stroke. He continues to perform live and on television. He released an album in 2013.
Talk to your doctor to learn how you can reduce your risk of stroke, which includes healthy eating, regular exercise, controlled blood pressure, and controlled cholesterol.
Related:
Know the Signs of Stroke
