The question of how some individuals maintain peak mental and physical health well into their 80s, 90s, and beyond isn’t just about luck. It’s a growing field of scientific inquiry, revealing that exceptional aging isn’t random, but influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and resilience. Researchers at institutions like the University of Chicago are now studying “super-agers”—individuals whose cognitive performance rivals that of people decades younger—to understand what makes them different.
The Super-Ager Profile: More Than Just Good Genes
The SuperAging Research Initiative defines super-agers as those over 80 with memory function comparable to 50- to 60-year-olds. This isn’t self-declared; it’s verified through rigorous cognitive testing, brain scans, and genetic analysis. Currently, roughly 400 super-agers are enrolled in studies across North America.
Why does this matter? Global life expectancy is rising. The UK now projects boys born in 2023 to live to 86.7 years on average, and girls to 90, with a growing percentage reaching 100. The focus is shifting from simply lifespan to healthspan —the period of life spent in good health. Understanding how super-agers achieve this could unlock strategies for the general population.
The Pillars of Exceptional Aging: A Multifaceted Approach
The research isn’t about finding a single “magic bullet” but identifying how various factors interact. The SuperAging Initiative integrates data on brain structure, genetics, lifestyle (diet, exercise, social engagement), and medical history. Early findings suggest key commonalities:
- Cognitive Engagement : Super-agers actively challenge their minds through activities like puzzles, learning new skills, and maintaining social connections. Lajuana Weathers, 89, exemplifies this by continuing to take educational classes and engaging in word puzzles.
- Physical Activity : Consistent movement, even at a moderate level, is crucial. Ralph Rehbock, 91, remains active through family history research, walking, and jigsaw puzzles. Ina Koolhaas Revers, a 78-year-old powerlifter, demonstrates that high-intensity training can maintain exceptional strength and muscle mass.
- Social Connection : Strong relationships and community involvement seem protective against cognitive decline. Rehbock’s involvement in the Illinois Holocaust Museum and a retiree social group illustrates this.
- Resilience and Mindset : A positive outlook, purpose, and the ability to adapt to change appear critical. Weathers describes her approach as a “count my blessings” attitude, actively choosing happiness.
Brain Structure: The Key Biological Difference
MRI scans reveal that super-agers’ brains exhibit minimal thinning of the cortex—the outer layer responsible for cognition—compared to average agers. Their anterior cingulate region, vital for attention and memory, is even thicker than that of 50- to 60-year-olds. This suggests a biological resistance to age-related cognitive decline.
Beyond Genetics: Lifestyle as a Powerful Modifier
While genetics play a role, lifestyle appears to be a significant driver. Hans Smeets, a 78-year-old marathon runner, demonstrates that decades of endurance training can maintain a VO2 max comparable to much younger athletes. Researchers at Maastricht University found that Smeets’s oxygen uptake was in the 75th percentile of men aged 20–29.
The Future of Longevity Research
The goal isn’t just to study super-agers, but to translate their advantages into interventions for the wider population. Researchers are exploring how to replicate protective factors—from encouraging cognitive engagement to promoting lifelong physical activity—to boost healthspan for everyone.
Exceptional aging isn’t about avoiding decline; it’s about maximizing resilience, maintaining engagement, and actively shaping a healthy future, even in the later years of life.
The ongoing research highlights that longevity isn’t just about living longer, but living well for longer. The super-agers provide a blueprint for how to do just that.
