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Even as we grow older, we can live youthfully! In the US, an 85-year-old woman not only has a memory comparable to someone in their 50s or 60s but also leads a vibrant and fulfilling life, earning her the title of a "SuperAger." Research has found that in addition to helpful genes, a specific behavioral trait is a crucial reason for the longevity and anti-aging success of these "SuperAgers."
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What Are "SuperAgers"?
In 2000, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine launched the "SuperAging Program," which has tracked nearly 300 middle-aged and older adults for 25 years.
Researchers define "SuperAgers" as individuals aged 80 or older who score on par with the average for people aged 50-66 on delayed recall memory tests, while also scoring at or above their age group's average in all other cognitive areas. In other words, a "SuperAger's" memory is at least 20-30 years younger than their chronological age. The researchers recently published their 25-year findings on "SuperAgers" in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia.
85-Year-Old Woman Has Memory 30 Years Younger, Lives Actively, Sleeps 7.5 Hours a Night
According to a report by NBC News, 85-year-old Sel Yackley is one of the "SuperAgers" in the program. A retired journalist, her parents lived to 86 and 88, so genetics likely play a key role in maintaining her youthful cognitive function. However, she believes her passion for life also helps keep her mind sharp, stating that determination and a wealth of activities are part of the reason for her longevity.
Beyond her excellent memory, Sel Yackley leads a highly active daily life, with plans almost every day. She makes jewelry, sings in a choir, participates in a book club, volunteers by knitting hats and scarves for the homeless, goes to the gym several times a week, and is actively involved in community organizations. Additionally, she averages about 7.5 hours of sleep per night.
Yackley says she would be grateful to live to 90. Her current goals include walking 4,200 steps daily and creating a photo album documenting her life experiences. She hopes "SuperAgers" can serve as role models: "Take good care of your health, eat properly, be social," and encourages older adults to pursue things that make them feel proud.
Research Reveals Key Anti-Aging Trait of "SuperAgers"
Tamar Gefen, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Feinberg and one of the "SuperAging Program" leads, notes that these "SuperAgers" possess a spirit of connection—be it social connections or links to land, ancestry, descendants, or art.
However, becoming a "SuperAger" isn't just about willpower; genetics also play a significant role. Gefen explains that while there are major risk genes for Alzheimer's disease, "SuperAgers" typically lack these genes. Therefore, researchers aim to investigate whether "SuperAgers" possess protective genes that guard against Alzheimer's and bolster the immune system.
What's Special About SuperAgers' Genes?
To find answers, Northwestern researchers examined the brains of nearly 80 deceased "SuperAgers" and compared them to the brains of neurologically typical individuals of the same age. Regarding Alzheimer's markers (protein buildup in the brain), "SuperAger" brains showed significantly fewer tau protein tangles in memory-related regions, although the pathological changes in amyloid plaques were not markedly different. This finding leads them to question whether current Alzheimer's treatments targeting amyloid plaques are on the right track.
Furthermore, "SuperAgers" tend to have larger entorhinal neurons (crucial for memory) and more von Economo neurons (linked to social behavior)—both vital nerve cell types. Researchers speculate that "SuperAgers" may be born with this type of structural protection.
