Unlock the Secrets of Super-Agers: Key Habits That Keep Their Memories Sharp at 80

The gradual deterioration of memory is often considered an inevitable aspect of aging. Misplacing keys, forgetting appointments, struggling with names – these are all too familiar scenarios for many. However, there is a group of seniors who astonishingly defy this norm. Known as “super-agers,” these are individuals in their 80s who retain a memory capacity akin to those three decades younger. Recent studies have begun to uncover some intriguing similarities among them.

The cutting-edge findings were part of two separate studies published in The Journal of Neuroscience and Lancet Healthy Longevity. A total of 119 participants over 79.5 years old, all hailing from Spain, were examined. Among them, 55 were typical older adults, contrasted against 64 classified as “super-agers,” defined as those possessing a memory ability that mirrors people 30 years their junior.

To determine the distinction, subjects underwent a series of tests, including three non-memory tests and one memory test (the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test). Super-agers were identified by scoring above the average of 50- to 56-year-olds on the memory test and at or near the average of their age group for the non-memory tests.

Interestingly, the brain structure of super-agers showed some unique characteristics. They exhibited less brain atrophy, particularly in areas associated with memory, such as the hippocampus. Furthermore, MRI scans revealed they had superior quality white matter in the brain’s frontal part, contributing to better cognition.

It’s essential to note that these super-agers and ordinary adults showed no differences in their genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. According to Bryan Strange, the lead author of the study and professor of clinical neuroscience at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, this reveals “a resistance to age-related decline,” given that both groups had low Alzheimer’s markers but significant cognitive and brain differences.

Super-agers remain a scientific curiosity, with experts unsure about their prevalence. Emily Rogalski, a professor of neurology at the University of Chicago, acknowledges that they are “relatively rare.” Tessa Harrison, an assistant project scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, posits that these top-tier agers might have some sort of predisposition or unrecognized brain resistance mechanism.

Surprisingly, the lifestyles of super-agers and typical older adults do not differ significantly – their diet, sleep habits, professional history, alcohol and tobacco consumption are quite comparable. However, super-agers are distinguished by better mental health and a faster pace than the average older adult. Although they reportedly exercise as often as their peers, researchers suggest super-agers might be more involved in “non-exercise physical activity,” such as gardening or stair-climbing.

While there are inconsistencies within the super-ager group, such as variations in exercise, diet, and smoking habits, one universally shared trait is their strong social relationships.

As we strive to follow in the footsteps of these super-agers, experts recommend a well-rounded approach to brain health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and an active social life are among the key factors. However, as always, any health-related concerns or questions should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

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