A renowned doctor has unveiled three key traits commonly found among “super-agers,” individuals who defy the typical aging process by maintaining exceptional mental and physical health well into their senior years.
The concept of a “super-ager” describes older adults who exhibit extraordinary cognitive functions, physical vitality, and behavioral traits, setting them apart from others in their age group.
While genetics certainly play a part, there are lifestyle choices you can make to potentially extend your lifespan and enhance your quality of life.
Dr. Amy Shah, having encountered many super-agers throughout her medical career—including her own parents—offers valuable insights for those aspiring to achieve a long and healthy life.
She emphasizes three key traits that individuals can cultivate…
1. Maintain social connections
Engaging in conversations and social activities is crucial; it sharpens memory, enhances focus, and hones communication and problem-solving skills, keeping the mind agile and resilient.
Additionally, social environments frequently introduce you to fresh concepts, viewpoints, and knowledge, which enhances cognitive performance.
Dr Amy appreciates that her Indian parents benefit from a vibrant community that provides support and social bonds as they grow older.
If you don’t have many social connections currently, don’t fret. You can get involved by signing up to clubs, volunteering or spending time with friends and family.
2. Remain physically active
Physical activity, particularly cardiovascular exercise, has been proven to enlarge the hippocampus (a crucial memory hub) and reduce age-related brain deterioration.
Furthermore, it enhances blood flow to the brain, encourages the development of new brain cells, supports psychological wellbeing and establishes routine.
Dr Amy suggests performing three straightforward exercises daily to maintain physical fitness – lowering yourself to the floor and rising again, balancing on one foot and executing a deep squat.
According to the NHS, adults aged 65 and over should aim to:
- be physically active every day, even if it’s just light activity
- do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week
- do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity if you are already active, or a combination of both
- reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity
3. Stimulate your mind
Brain training assists in becoming a super ager by enhancing cognitive abilities, fostering brain plasticity, postponing cognitive deterioration, encouraging continuous learning, and improving emotional wellbeing.
To maintain an active mind, ensure you’re pushing yourself with fresh and diverse activities to keep your brain ticking along nicely.
Dr Amy suggests puzzles, mastering a new dance or taking up a musical instrument as enjoyable methods to accomplish this.
The NHS states that learning new skills can also aid your mental wellbeing by:
- boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem
- helping you to build a sense of purpose
- helping you to connect with others
