What is a “super-ager”?
A "super-ager" is a term used to describe individuals who maintain cognitive abilities and memory function well into old age, comparable to or even exceeding those of much younger adults. These individuals exhibit exceptional cognitive resilience and often have brains that appear younger than their chronological age would suggest. The concept of super-agers gained prominence in scientific research over the past couple of decades as researchers sought to understand why some individuals experience significant cognitive decline with age while others do not. The term "super-ager" was coined to describe this unique subset of older adults who seem to defy the typical aging process when it comes to cognitive function.

What does it take to become a super-ager?
Studies on super-agers have identified several key characteristics that may contribute to their exceptional cognitive abilities. These include:

• Healthy Lifestyle: Super-agers often lead physically active lifestyles, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular exercise, in particular, has been linked to better cognitive function in old age. Social Engagement: Social interaction and engagement in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, playing games, or learning new skills, may help to preserve cognitive function in older adults.
• Genetic Factors: While genetics alone cannot explain super-aging, certain genetic variations may confer resilience against age-related cognitive decline. Studies have identified specific genetic markers associated with superior cognitive function in older adults. Brain Health: Super-agers tend to have brains that show fewer signs of age-related damage, such as shrinkage or the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Some research categorizes these people into two groups: the cognitive super-agers, and the physical super-agers.

Cognitive super-agers

Dr. Bradford Dickerson and his team from Massachusetts General Hospital have been investigating this question. They found that older adults who stay mentally active by taking on new challenges tend to have better brain health and function. In one study, they tested memory in older adults and found that some seniors (the "super-agers") performed as well as much younger adults. Brain scans revealed that these super-agers had thicker brain regions associated with memory and attention, suggesting less age-related cell loss. Interestingly, super-agers don't necessarily have higher IQs or more education than their peers. What sets them apart is their approach to problem-solving. They see challenges as opportunities for success, rather than giving up easily. Dr. Lisa Barrett, another researcher, suggests that super-agers may also share a willingness to push through discomfort to learn new skills, like playing an instrument or learning a language. They continually challenge themselves, stepping out of their comfort zones to expand their expertise.

Physical super-agers

Like the cognitive super-agers, physical super-agers maintain exceptional fitness levels comparable to people much younger than them. They excel in aerobic capacity, which measures how efficiently the body uses oxygen during exercise. Dr. J. Andrew Taylor notes that regular, intense exercise can preserve aerobic capacity. In fact, some studies suggest that older adults who exercise vigorously for 20 to 45 minutes a day can have the aerobic capacity of someone decades younger. While measuring aerobic capacity traditionally involves treadmill tests in a medical setting, researchers have developed questionnaires to estimate it more affordably. These questionnaires, like the one created by Norwegian researchers, can provide insight into overall health and biological age. Studies using these questionnaires have shown that higher aerobic capacity correlates with lower risks of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and mortality. In one example, participants in the National Senior Games estimated their biological age using the questionnaire, revealing that despite their chronological age averaging 68, their biological age averaged much younger at 43.

Research on super-agers has provided valuable insights into the factors that contribute to healthy aging and cognitive resilience. By understanding what sets these individuals apart, scientists hope to develop interventions and strategies to promote successful aging and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline for the broader population. In summary, super-agers represent a fascinating area of study within the field of aging research, offering hope that it may be possible to maintain cognitive function and quality of life well into old age through healthy lifestyle choices and other factors.