Episode 9 - Super Agers

The first time I heard the term Super Ager, was from an article in the November 2023 AARP Bulletin.  I initially thought that they were using some catchy phrase to describe people who at lived to some age milestone, but that’s not all of it.  There really is a category of older humans that are classified as “Super Agers”.  The AARP article defined a Super Ager as “someone over 80 with an exceptional memory—one at least as good as a person 20 to 30 years younger”.  I was fascinated by the concept and decided to investigate it a little further and found that there are quite a few studies, either past or current that have been designed to determine how this happens and are there commonalities among those within the classification.  And the cognitive abilities of the so-called Super Agers are more than just a good memory.

Today, I want to look at some common traits that super agers possess.  Is it possible to turn ourselves into a super ager and are there negative impacts to living deep into our 80s, 90s or beyond 100.

Transcript

Episode 9 – Super Agers 

The first time I heard the term Super Ager, was from an article in the November 2023 AARP Bulletin.  I initially thought that they were using some catchy phrase to describe people who at lived to some age milestone, but that’s not all of it.  There really is a category of older humans that are classified as “Super Agers”.  The AARP article defined a Super Ager as “someone over 80 with an exceptional memory—one at least as good as a person 20 to 30 years younger”.  I was fascinated by the concept and decided to investigate it a little further and found that there are quite a few studies, either past or current that have been designed to determine how this happens and are there commonalities among those within the classification.  And the cognitive abilities of the so-called Super Agers are more than just a good memory. 

Today, I want to look at some common traits that super agers possess.  Is it possible to turn ourselves into a super ager and are there negative impacts to living deep into our 80s, 90s or beyond 100.

Although AARP used the age of 80 as a marker, but super ager is a term used universally to describe individuals who maintain exceptional cognitive abilities well into very old age. These individuals demonstrate a remarkable ability to remember things and hold onto their mental sharpness, comparable to people who are much younger. Super agers often have better memory and cognitive function than their peers of the same age group. So, as you can imagine, this group of the elderly are of great interest to researchers studying aging and neurology to better understand the factors that contribute to healthy brain aging.  The AARP article went on to point out that 73 million boomers are reaching the age of 80.  By studying this group of Super Agers there may be keys to pushing back or helping to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.

What attributes do super agers have in common?

There are quite a few examples and testimonies from the elderly, who are still being artistic, working at technical jobs and continuing to contribute to society deep into their 90s and beyond.  Super agers tend to have some common attributes that contribute to their cognitive abilities:

1 Genetics: It’s possible that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to better brain health and resilience, which can contribute to being a super ager, but the studies in this field are still relatively new and there’s not enough evidence yet to say that you must have the right genes, or you’re never going to be a super ager.  As of today, we just don’t know. 

2. Lifestyle Factors: Super agers often lead healthy lifestyles that include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. These factors can support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

·      Regular physical exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, not only benefits the body but also promotes brain health. It increases blood flow the brain, reduces the risk of diseases that affect cognition, and stimulates the release of chemicals that support brain function.

·      Healthy Diet: Super agers often follow a nutritious diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support brain health and cognitive function.

·      Getting sufficient and quality sleep is crucial for cognitive health. Super agers prioritize their sleep, ensuring they get an appropriate amount of restful sleep each night. Sleep helps consolidate memories, supports brain function, and rejuvenates the body.

3. Mental Stimulation: Super agers tend to engage in activities that challenge their minds

·      Super agers often challenge their minds with brain training games and puzzles. These activities can include crossword puzzles, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, chess, or memory games. They help to improve cognitive abilities, memory, and problem-solving skills.

·      Reading books, newspapers, or engaging in intellectual discussions is a common practice among super agers. It stimulates critical thinking, expands knowledge, and keeps the brain active.

·      Super agers actively engage in learning new skills or hobbies. This could involve taking up a musical instrument, learning a new language, painting, or joining a dance class. Learning new things helps create new neural connections in the brain and keeps the mind sharp. 

4. Social Engagement: Staying socially active and maintaining strong social connections has been linked to better cognitive function. Super agers often have active social lives, engaging in regular interactions with friends, family, and communities. Super agers often participate in group activities, join clubs, volunteer, or attend community events to stay mentally stimulated and just talking with your friends a lot, whether on the phone or over a cup of coffee, helps keep you socially involved and involved in community. 

5. Resilience to Stress: Managing stress effectively is crucial for brain health. Super agers often have good coping mechanisms and can handle stress in a positive way, which can protect against cognitive decline. Chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive abilities. Super agers practice stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in activities that help them relax and unwind. These strategies help reduce stress levels and promote cognitive well-being.

Can Ordinary People Become Super Agers?

I’m not sure if that’s possible. It's important to remember that while these lifestyle factors that super agers seem to have in common, can support healthy aging, the concept of becoming a super ager is still relatively new, and more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

No question, we can all help ourselves to live our best life by incorporating these practices I’ve just outlined into our daily routine, which can certainly contribute to overall well-being as we age and can help you stay active longer, but we might not become super agers. 

There seems to be something extra the super agers possess that ordinary people don’t and that’s a super brain.  For most of us our memory peaks between the ages of 30 to 40 and then starts to decline in our 50s.  Super agers have shrink-resistant brains and maintain volume in the areas associated with memory and focus.  Research tells us that super agers have supersized memory cells that are significantly larger than in their peers which appears to fight against dementia and Alzheimer’s.   

Super ager brains also have the ability to facilitate “rapid communication across the brain providing and enhanced ability to navigate the outside world.  These factors seem to combine in a way that keeps the brains of super agers from declining with age”.  AARP Bulletin November 2023. 

Are There Drawbacks to Being a Super Ager?

Being a super ager and living well past our 80’s and beyond can certainly be a wonderful and rich blessing, but as we age, there are drawbacks or obstacles we have to face and that includes super agers. 

Being "super ager" is often associated with attributes, such as maintaining a youthful appearance and higher cognitive function as your age. However, there can be drawbacks to being a super ager as well. Here are a few potential drawbacks:

1. Social isolation: Super agers may find themselves surrounded by peers who have more health issues or cognitive decline. This can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty finding relatable social connections.

2. Emotional burden: Witnessing the decline of loved ones or peers can be emotionally challenging, and the longevity of super agers may mean they have to face these losses more frequently.  In many cases super agers are going to outlive a spouse, they may outlive children, and, in most cases, super agers are going to outlive friends and other family members that they’ve had connections with their entire life.

3. Financial considerations: Living longer can place additional financial strain on individuals, especially if they did not plan adequately for an extended lifespan. Longevity often comes with financial considerations. Some individuals may outlive their retirement savings or face unexpected expenses related to health issues or long-term care. Planning and managing finances effectively become crucial in later years. 

4. Unique health challenges: While super agers may have better overall health, they are not immune to illnesses and age-related conditions. They may still experience chronic health issues or age-related diseases, which can impact their quality of life. 

5. High expectations: There may be societal pressure and expectations associated with being a super ager, leading to a sense of responsibility to maintain a certain level of physical and cognitive function. This can create stress and anxiety.

6. Loss of Independence: Aging can sometimes result in a loss of independence and autonomy. It may require relying on others for daily tasks, transportation, or decision-making, which can be a significant adjustment for some individuals.  That goes for all of us, and super agers are not immune. 

All these drawbacks are not universal, and many seniors continue to live fulfilling and vibrant lives well into their 80s, 90s and beyond. With proper care, support, and a positive mindset, it's possible to navigate these challenges and enjoy a fulfilling life in later years.  

I think all of us want to live as long as possible, but if you’re like me, the quality of life we live as we age is as important as the longevity of life and dementia and Alzheimer’s can rob us of that quality and studies and research might unlock secrets to help us all keep our mental strengths and abilities longer and longer. 

Whether you’re a super ager or just one of us ordinary people out here living our best life, live each day to its absolute fullest, take care of yourself, and enjoy and I’ll talk with you again soon.