Living past 80 with the mind of a 50‑year-old: 5 tips from "SuperAgers"

In numerous societies, reaching the age of 60 often equates to entering the realm of senior citizens, as individuals wind down from their professional lives. However, slightly older seniors who speak of longevity are often referred to as "SuperAgers". Surprisingly, many twenty-somethings may even envy their vitality. One might wonder — have these longevity-practicing seniors discovered some form of magic elixir or secret to eternal youth?

A common wish among most people is to live as long as possible, while maintaining optimal physical and cognitive health. Often we might encounter older people on social media who seem to be experiencing their second youth and appear to be unfazed by matters of mortality. The term "SuperAgers" is credited to researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, and refers to individuals aged 80 to 85 who harbor the intellectual capacities of people in their 50s.

According to researchers, it's this group of individuals who can truly be classified as long-lived. What sets them apart from other seniors is their tenacity in maintaining a youthful brain. Scientists believe that several factors contribute to their longevity, and it's less about genetics than we think. The primary influences are one's environment, approach to life, and activity levels. Long-lived individuals are generally physically fit, open to learning and exploring, socially active, and diligent in maintaining their cognitive sharpness. Many even have their own life rituals that contribute to their exceptional health and vitality.

Remember, there's no single, surefire recipe that guarantees perfect health and longevity. However, based on collected data, scientists have identified five common traits found among "SuperAgers", that you might consider adopting. The first revolves around maintaining a regular physical activity routine - it's not about intense workouts, but consistent movement in any form. Sedentary living is anathema to long-lived individuals who make a point to exercise, walk, or perform gardening tasks daily.

Long-lived people are also socially active, often seeking companionships and meeting new individuals regularly. This engagement doesn't restrict itself to friends or family, but extends to strangers who offer novel experiences. Researchers theorize that such sociability significantly contributes to excellent cognitive health in seniors and could potentially extend their lifespans. Another critical factor affecting longevity is stress management. Reducing stress levels as much as possible significantly contributes to wellbeing and longevity.

If living your elderly years full of energy appeals to you, remember that it's never too late for learning and chasing dreams. Lifelong learners, the long-lived continually train their brains by acquiring new skills or knowledge. Learning foreign languages, music, or even painting provides a new life goal and instills a renewed enthusiasm to learn. For "SuperAgers", happiness comes from pursuing passions. Unfortunately, many people abandon their hobbies, yet these very pastimes could potentially rejuvenate one's spirit and make them feel years younger.