According to doctors, there are 5 essential habits that allow you to age well. In addition to living longer, these habits allow you to stay young at heart. We’ll explain it to you.
Have you ever heard of “SuperAgers” ? If the term doesn’t mean anything to you, you probably know an older person who is one of them. Indeed, these people seem to have adopted a certain lifestyle which allows them to age peacefully. The term SuperAgers was coined by researchers at Northwestern University. He refers to “adults over 80 years olds who have the memory capacity of individuals who are at least three decades younger.”
SuperAgers are not just people who enjoy good longevity. Indeed, the main difference is in the brain. And for good reason, studies show that the brains of SuperAgers resemble those of much younger people. Thus, a person aged 87 with good longevity can have a brain that corresponds to their age. But how do you become a SuperAgers? Unfortunately, “there is no special trick to becoming a SuperAger – at least not yet”, says Tamar Gefen, assistant professor at the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at the Feinberg School of Medicine, at HuffPost.
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SuperAgers have things in common
“Like most trajectories of age or living conditions, it is a combination of biology, environment and of personal action”, she explains. So, lifestyle habits can still have a certain impact! And according to Jennifer Ailshire, associate professor of gerontology at the University of Southern California, some SuperAgers have commonalities. Generally speaking, these people who live beyond the age of 85 and therefore exceed the average life expectancy, have managed to maintain a high standard of living, whether physical, cognitive, psychological or social well-being.
And to achieve this, everyone has their own recipe. Indeed, some continue to work late, while others have retired for a long time. And regarding food, some do not refuse to sip a beer or a glass of wine, while others keep a good distance from alcohol. But SuperAgers have one thing in common and that is social activity. Indeed, being socially active allows you to strengthen cognitive and physical functions until old age. And if there is no magic recipe for becoming a SuperAger, there are still lifestyle habits that offer a better chance of achieving it.
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Here are 5 tips for becoming a SuperAger
1/ Move regularly
“A lot of research shows that daily body movements are associated with longevity and healthy aging”, explains Jennifer Ailshire. It’s not necessarily about going to the gym, but practicing physical activity like gardening or DIY. Even just walking can be enough. The idea is to avoid adopting a sedentary lifestyle.
2/ Participate in social activities.
To age well, doctors advise practicing regular social activities. These can mean spending time with friends or family. But also volunteering, or even working with colleagues. Studies have shown that people with strong social ties live longer. But above all, they have better cognitive and physical health.
3/ Reduce controllable stress.
It is well known that stress is very bad for your health. Reducing, when possible, your exposure to stress therefore allows you to stay in better health. Some SuperAgers said they avoided getting involved in other people’s arguments as much as possible to avoid getting angry. A strategy that seems to be paying off!
4/ Challenge your brain.
According to Jennifer Ailshire, cognitive stimulation is also important for healthy aging. “You’re never too old to learn a new language, a new way to play an instrument, or to do something that really challenges you cognitively or mentally.”, explains the expert. The main thing is that this brain activity is pleasant. If it causes stress, move on.
5/ Spend time on the things you love.
In conclusion, Ms. Ailshire explains that you should do things you love! Indeed, SuperAgers are “people who do things that make them happy and fulfilled”, throughout their lives. A tip that doesn’t seem too difficult to apply!
Passionate about women’s news, Agathe has been deciphering the latest trends for aufeminin since 2022. Her favorite areas? Psychology, nutrition and well-being advice, without forgetting the tips…