It's weird to be the same age as old people… the fascinating world of Superagers…
Saturdsy, May 18, 2024.
Ever thought about how strange it is to be the same age as old people? Imagine looking around and realizing that while your peers are slowing down, you’re still going strong, both mentally and physically.
Welcome to the intriguing world of superagers!
What Are Superagers?
Superagers are folks over 80 whose memory and cognitive functions are as sharp as those 20 to 30 years younger.
These remarkable seniors maintain youthful activity patterns and show significantly less brain shrinkage with age.
In fact, their brains can be indistinguishable from those of a 25-year-old (Katsumi et al., 2021). Now, that’s what I call aging gracefully!
The Physical Signs of Superagers
Studies have found that superagers tend to display several physical signs of a razor-sharp memory. They are more mobile and agile, possess better balance, and have faster reaction times compared to their averagely-aging peers.
According to Ms. Marta Garo-Pascual, the study’s first author:
“We are now closer to solving one of the biggest unanswered questions about superagers: whether they are truly resistant to age-related memory decline or they have coping mechanisms that help them overcome this decline better than their peers.”
The findings suggest that superagers resist the typical aging processes, although the precise reasons remain unclear. Garo-Pascual adds:
“By looking further into links between superaging and movement speed we may be able to gain important insights into the mechanisms behind the preservation of memory function deep into old age.”
How the study was conducted
In a study comparing over 1,000 averagely-aging people with 64 superagers, the results were quite telling. Superagers not only had faster reactions but also displayed better agility and mobility. Dr. Bryan Strange, the study’s co-author, noted:
“Though superagers report similar activity levels to typical older people, it’s possible they do more physically demanding activities like gardening or stair climbing.”
This enhanced physical activity may contribute to lower blood pressure, reduced obesity levels, and increased blood flow to the brain, all of which can lead to improved cognitive abilities in old age.
Lifestyle Factors
Superagers often lead more active lifestyles, have higher IQs, enjoy better sleep, and tend to be more independent and musical. Dr. Strange suggests that their superior brain function could be partly due to better brain health:
“It’s also possible that having better brain health in the first place may be what’s responsible for superagers having faster movement speed.”
Further research is necessary to fully understand how these factors interplay, but what’s clear is that the risk or protective factors for dementia also overlap with those associated with superaging. These include elements such as blood pressure, glucose control, and mental health.
Embracing the Weirdness
So, if you ever find yourself thinking, "It's weird to be the same age as old people," take comfort in the fact that there are those who defy the typical aging process. They show us that with the right combination of lifestyle choices, genetics, and perhaps a bit of luck, we can maintain our cognitive functions well into our golden years.
The concept of superaging is fascinating and inspiring. It encourages us to stay active, keep our minds engaged, and embrace the journey of aging with optimism and humor. After all, who wouldn’t want to be 80 and still feel 25?
Now that we’ve delved into the science behind superagers, you might be wondering if there are steps you can take to join their ranks. While there’s no magic formula, there are several habits and lifestyle choices that could potentially boost your chances of aging like a superager:
Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity is a common trait among superagers. You don’t have to run marathons or lift heavy weights, but staying active through walking, gardening, yoga, or even dancing can make a big difference. As Dr. Bryan Strange pointed out:
“From lower blood pressure and obesity levels to increased blood flow to the brain, there are many direct and indirect benefits of being physically active that may contribute to improved cognitive abilities in old age.”
Engage Your Mind
Superagers often have higher IQs and remain intellectually engaged. Challenge your brain with puzzles, learn new skills, read, or engage in stimulating conversations. Intellectual activities help maintain neuroplasticity and cognitive function.
Maintain Social Connections
Staying socially active is another key factor. Superagers tend to be more independent and socially engaged, which can significantly impact mental health and cognitive longevity. Building and maintaining strong relationships can help keep your mind sharp and your spirits high.
Prioritize Sleep
Good sleep is crucial for cognitive health. Superagers often report better sleep quality, which is vital to memory consolidation and overall brain function. Establish a regular sleep routine, create a restful environment, and address sleep disorders promptly.
Healthy Diet
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support brain health. Diets like the Mediterranean diet, which are high in antioxidants and healthy fats, have been linked to better cognitive function in older adults.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can damage the brain and body. Superagers might have better coping mechanisms for stress, allowing them to maintain their cognitive functions. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress effectively.
Stay Curious and Passionate
Pursuing hobbies and passions can keep you mentally and emotionally vibrant. Whether it’s music, art, travel, or any other interest, staying curious and engaged with the world around you can contribute to a more fulfilling and active life.
The Future of Superaging Research
Research into superaging is ongoing, and scientists continually uncover new insights into how we can preserve memory and cognitive function into old age. As Dr. Strange mentioned:
“Further research in these areas may ultimately reveal ways to help preserve memory function in more older people.”
By understanding the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that contribute to superaging, researchers hope to develop interventions that can help more people enjoy the benefits of a sharp mind and agile body well into their later years.
Final thoughts
So, as you navigate the often perplexing reality of being the same age as old people, remember that the journey of aging is unique for everyone. Adopting some of the superager habits can enhance your chances of enjoying a long, healthy, and vibrant life.
It’s not just about adding years to your life but adding life to your years.
So, stay active, stay curious, and embrace the weirdness of aging with optimism and humor. After all, being a superager means you get to enjoy the best of both worlds: the wisdom of age and the vitality of youth.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
For those interested in diving deeper into the science of superaging, the study was published in the journal The Lancet Healthy Longevity (Garo-Pascual et al., 2023). It offers a comprehensive look at how extraordinary memory and physical agility can help us age gracefully and remain cognitively sharp well into our senior years.
Brain structure and phenotypic profile of superagers compared with age-matched older adults: a longitudinal analysis from the Vallecas Project
Open AccessPublished:July 13, 2023DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00079-X
