Some people let aging define them. Others define it.
Researchers have identified a thriving population of adults in their 70s and 80s who maintain near-perfect cognitive or physical function, even when compared to their decades-younger counterparts. Dubbed “super-agers,” these adults defy longstanding narratives about retirement and later life – taking charge of their future and proving that there’s not one path to aging, but many.
Last summer, Northwestern University concluded a 25-year study on super-agers which identified key differences in how their brains function. Most adult brains grow thinner with age, but theirs don’t – and the difference is especially noticeable in the anterior cingulate cortex, an important network that handles cost-benefit analysis and motivation. Plus, while super-agers can still develop the neural plaques associated with dementia, their brains don’t suffer the same damage from those proteins.
But what gives super-agers their cognitive advantage? Does it all come down to genetics, or does lifestyle play a role, too? Scientists are still exploring the answers, but they’ve identified a few commonalities.
- Whether they’re meeting new people or traveling to new places, super-agers aren’t afraid to get out of their comfort zones – and according to Harvard Health, super-agers may stick with challenges longer than their peers, even when they don’t succeed at first: “[They] share a willingness to endure discomfort to master a new skill, like playing a musical instrument or speaking a new language.”
- In the face of hardships and setbacks, super-agers tend to recover faster than their peers, observes Dr. Emily Rogalski of UChicago’s Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Research Care Center: “They could bounce back and keep moving on, or they could let the challenges define them … They choose to talk about the positive side of things, or the ways they’ve gotten through the hard times.”
- Although super-agers are a diverse group, they tend to be extroverts who place a high value on interpersonal relationships. Their brains also tend to have more von Economo neurons, a type of cell associated with social behaviors, which may help them build stronger connections. In turn, says neurologist Dr. Bill Seeley, that may have “a far-reaching impact on overall well-being and health.”
At The Glenridge, we’ve always believed in defining aging differently. Ours is a community where “getting involved” is as easy as stepping out your door. Whether you’re taking a class at the Glenridge Academy, heading to the Theatre District for dinner and a show, or playing a pick-up game of bocce with friends, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant individuals who believe in living life to the fullest.
So, how will you define your future at The Glenridge? Get started today: Send us a message or give our Life Planning Team a call at 941-552-5369 to schedule your personal tour.
Or, to learn more about what life is like at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch – once again named the best senior living community in Sarasota (for the 16th year in a row!) – visit our other blog posts or find us on Facebook.