We learn how ‘Superagers’ keep their brain health top of mind, with brain exercise tips and workouts to keep your brain mentally alert and sharp – no matter your age.
If your idea of ageing gracefully is all about staying mentally sharp, then take some inspiration from the so-called ‘superagers’. These are people who are 80+ years old, but still think and learn like they’re much younger – anything from 20 to 60 years of age.
It’s hard to pin down exactly why some of us become superagers, but a likely factor is continuing to engage in challenging mental activities. Stepping out of your mental comfort zone seems to be a common denominator among people who age well mentally.
What happens to your brain as you age?
Clues about what determines this kind of superageing, or lack thereof, come from what research tells us about older brains. As you age, two characteristics of your brain change:
These physical changes are thought to be linked to mental (cognitive) function, and may help explain why mental function declines with age.
But what are superagers doing differently to prevent this decline?
Since we’re living longer these days, it’s no surprise that research on the factors that may be responsible for preventing cognitive decline is well underway. What we know so far is that five interesting characteristics are common among people who live longer and age well.
What can you do?
Although no one can promise that you’ll join the elite ranks of the 5% of people who become superagers, here’s how you can give yourself a better chance!
References available upon request.