You may not normally associate “age” with the word “super,” especially when it comes to brain power and daily functioning. However, you might be quite surprised to learn that not only do SuperAgers exist, but they are generally 60 – 80 years old or older, yet they still have the memory skills and brain capacity of someone 30 years their junior. Maybe it’s good genes, maybe it’s magic. Read on to find out secrets from SuperAgers.

What Is a SuperAger?

While the term “SuperAger” can cover a few areas, typically, they are broken down into two categories: cognitive and physical. A “cognitive” SuperAger is an individual with extraordinary brain function who shows no signs of cognitive decline and still functions relatively well physically. “Physical” SuperAgers can also compete, health-wise, with their younger counterparts. You’ll often see the aerobic capacity in a SuperAger on par with someone three decades younger. Many SuperAgers check the boxes in both the cognitive and physical departments.

While this lucky lot in life is often chalked up to “good genetics,” that may only be partially true. The second piece of the longevity puzzle lies in lifestyle choices, exercise regimens, and attitude.

What Do SuperAgers Do to Stay Supple in Mind and Body?

SuperAgers say there is no big secret to their success. While they do admit that some of their resiliency is likely due to “good genes,” the main thing they have in common is that they have never slowed down. They make a point to stay active, both mentally and physically, continuing to challenge themselves every day.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

It seems SuperAgers are up for just about anything, including staying interested in the world around them. Their technological curiosity keeps them at the forefront of modern communication, such as texting or social media, as well as being completely at home using an iPad or FitBit.

This unique amalgamation of old-world routines and new technology has cultivated this new breed of SuperAgers. This special blend of old-school traditions mixed with new-world methods gives SuperAgers a leg up on life. That, coupled with their consistent exercise routines, keeps them fit and focused, defying the norms of aging.

What Are the Secrets of SuperAgers?

SuperAgers do have some special tips to share with the rest of us that can potentially help us join this elite group.

Stay active—this is probably the most important thing you can do if you want to sidestep the normal mental and physical decline associated with aging. Don’t slow down long enough for age to catch up with you.

Socialize—yes, it seems that hanging out with friends and family helps keep the mind sharp. SuperAgers love their social time, and they’re always up for interaction with others.

Keep your mind involved—instead of zoning out and not caring what’s happening, SuperAgers stay in the know. They’re up to date on news and social events, and they’re interested in the world around them.

Keep learning—“never stop learning” is one of the mantras of the SuperAger populace. Stay curious and learn new things. Never stop growing as an individual. Expand your mind constantly and expand your horizons.

Eat a healthy diet—while they do try to eat a relatively healthy diet most of the time, they’re also not afraid to splurge now and then. Living a little and enjoying the occasional splurge of food, dessert, or alcohol is a healthy part of living, as long as the majority of your choices promote health.

Keep challenging yourself—continue to set new goals and strive for new achievements. Don’t let a number on the calendar define what you can and cannot do. If you have a goal, go for it!

Never-give-up attitude—where most people would encounter a problem and just give up, SuperAgers refuse to quit. They view setbacks as puzzles to solve or challenges to beat. This keeps things fun and exciting, putting a positive spin on the world around them.

SuperAger Studies

There are multiple studies that have been in place for years and continue to be ongoing. These studies show that SuperAgers do have better memories, less atrophy of brain tissue, and enjoy plenty of activity and social connections, which may foster their unique set of superpowers.

Scientists at Northwestern University’s Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease in Chicago have tested the brains of SuperAgers in long-term studies and have come up with a “brain signature” for cognitive SuperAgers. They say the area of the brain responsible for memory, motivation, attention, and control is thicker than their counterparts. They also showed that SuperAgers had more brain cells related to social awareness and intelligence than most people in general.

There is also evidence that points to activity being a part of the SuperAger equation. Doing both fitness-related exercises like muscle building and aerobic work, as well as engaging in social activities, seems to keep cognitive decline at bay.

How Can You Improve Your Chances of Becoming a SuperAger?

As soon as you feel too old to do a thing, DO IT.

– Margaret Deland

Researchers are unsure: SuperAging… maybe it’s inherited, and maybe it’s lifestyle choices. Regardless, try new things, hang out with friends and make new ones, break out of your tired old routines, go outside your comfort zone, stay active, never stop learning, always be curious, eat a healthy diet, and get lots of exercise, including weight training… these are some of the ways you, too, can help your chances of joining the elite group of SuperAgers.

What’s the final take on all this? Don’t just strive to live longer; work to live younger and better.