The gradual deterioration of memory is often considered an inevitable aspect of aging. Misplacing keys, forgetting appointments, struggling with names – these are all too familiar scenarios for many. However, there is a group of seniors who astonishingly defy this norm. Known as “super-agers,” these are individuals in their 80s who retain a memory capacity akin to those three decades younger. Recent studies have begun to uncover some intriguing similarities among them.

The cutting-edge findings were part of two separate studies published in The Journal of Neuroscience and Lancet Healthy Longevity. A total of 119 participants over 79.5 years old, all hailing from Spain, were examined. Among them, 55 were typical older adults, contrasted against 64 classified as “super-agers,” defined as those possessing a memory ability that mirrors people 30 years their junior.

To determine the distinction, subjects underwent a series of tests, including three non-memory tests and one memory test (the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test). Super-agers were identified by scoring above the average of 50- to 56-year-olds on the memory test and at or near the average of their age group for the non-memory tests.

Interestingly, the brain structure of super-agers showed some unique characteristics. They exhibited less brain atrophy, particularly in areas associated with memory, such as the hippocampus. Furthermore, MRI scans revealed they had superior quality white matter in the brain’s frontal part, contributing to better cognition.

It’s essential to note that these super-agers and ordinary adults showed no differences in their genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. According to Bryan Strange, the lead author of the study and professor of clinical neuroscience at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, this reveals “a resistance to age-related decline,” given that both groups had low Alzheimer’s markers but significant cognitive and brain differences.

Super-agers remain a scientific curiosity, with experts unsure about their prevalence. Emily Rogalski, a professor of neurology at the University of Chicago, acknowledges that they are “relatively rare.” Tessa Harrison, an assistant project scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, posits that these top-tier agers might have some sort of predisposition or unrecognized brain resistance mechanism.

Surprisingly, the lifestyles of super-agers and typical older adults do not differ significantly – their diet, sleep habits, professional history, alcohol and tobacco consumption are quite comparable. However, super-agers are distinguished by better mental health and a faster pace than the average older adult. Although they reportedly exercise as often as their peers, researchers suggest super-agers might be more involved in “non-exercise physical activity,” such as gardening or stair-climbing.

While there are inconsistencies within the super-ager group, such as variations in exercise, diet, and smoking habits, one universally shared trait is their strong social relationships.

As we strive to follow in the footsteps of these super-agers, experts recommend a well-rounded approach to brain health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and an active social life are among the key factors. However, as always, any health-related concerns or questions should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

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The secret to a long life can differ greatly depending on who you ask. However, it’s probably wise to take advice from those who have lived past 100 years of age. Centenarians and supercentenarians often share their secrets to longevity, attributing their long lives to various lifestyle choices or dietary habits. One such individual is 104-year-old Evelyn Eales, who recently revealed her daily beverage of choice that she believes contributes to her longevity.

Eales celebrated her 104th birthday on Leap Day, February 29, in an interview with ABC-affiliate 40/29 News. Although technically her 26th Leap Year birthday, she credits her youthful spirit to a few lifestyle choices and a particular favorite wine.

“Well, I’ve been widowed for 40 years, and I don’t have any children,” Eales said. “And I drink wine every day—Franzia Chillable Red.”

Eales, known for her sense of humor, jokingly expressed her hope that Franzia would “send me a carton of wine.” While the idea of daily wine consumption may be met with varying opinions, it’s a habit that won’t necessarily break the bank. A 3-liter box of Franzia Chillable Red typically costs between $11 and $15, while a 5-liter box is usually priced between $18 and $26.

Eales isn’t alone in her belief in the benefits of wine. Edith “Edie” Ceccarelli, who was once America’s oldest-known person until her passing at age 116, also enjoyed wine regularly.

“When questioned about her secrets, she told others they should, “Have a couple of fingers of red wine with your dinner, and mind your own business,” according to The New York Times.

While the health benefits of red wine have been questioned, and studies on alcohol and longevity have reached varying conclusions, both Ceccarelli and Eales attribute their long lives to their wine-drinking habits.

In addition to her daily wine, Eales also believes that enjoying life is a crucial part of longevity.

“Enjoy it when you have it,” she told 40/29 News. “I don’t know, I just don’t regret anything I ever did, regardless of what it was.”

She added, “Live for the moment,” with a chuckle.

Eales’ great-niece, Teresa Crupper, believes there’s more to her aunt’s longevity.

“She’s an amazing lady. She has a Facebook, she does Sudoku, crossword puzzles, she reads avidly—just very active,” Crupper said.

Eales, who has lived in Bella Vista, Arkansas since 1989, celebrated her 104th birthday with a motorcycle ride, a wish she had harbored for years.

“I’ve wanted to go on this ride for 104 years,” she said, adding that she wasn’t sure why she had this specific birthday wish. “I guess I’m just a daredevil.”

The Summer Fun Run Motorcycle Club granted her wish, taking her on a 10-minute ride through Bella Vista. Eales hopes that for her 105th birthday, another motorcycle-themed celebration will be in store.

“Any time the fellas are ready, I am,” she joked.

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Shirley MacLaine, the Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in over 50 films including The Trouble with Harry, Terms of Endearment, and Steel Magnolias, recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Far from considering retirement, MacLaine is still full of life and enthusiasm for her work. In a recent interview, she shared some of the secrets to her longevity and vitality.

In anticipation of her upcoming memoir, The Wall of Life, set to be released on Oct. 22, 2024, MacLaine credited her long-standing health and happiness to her early training in dance.

“I started my dance training at age three and stopped at about 67,” MacLaine revealed to People magazine. She began her career dancing on Broadway in the 1953 musical Me and Juliet, and then in The Pajama Game the following year.

“It taught me discipline, loving music, working with people and dealing with pain,” MacLaine shared. The discipline and resilience she learned from her dance training have clearly served her well throughout her illustrious career.

In addition to her physical training, MacLaine also attributes her well-being to her positive outlook. She reflected on her career with gratitude, expressing her joy in being able to continue working.

“Not that much bothers me,” she previously shared with People. “I think attitudes are a choice. Anger is a choice, peace is a choice, sarcasm—which is what I’m good at—is a choice.”

MacLaine also emphasized the importance of personal freedom in her lifestyle choices. She doesn’t adhere to strict dietary or sleep schedules, instead opting to listen to her body’s needs.

“I eat what I want, I sleep when I want,” she stated.

The Hollywood icon also shared the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.

“I have my friends and I am really healthy,” she said, radiating positivity.

When she’s not on set or working on a new project, MacLaine enjoys the solitude of her ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico. Though she occasionally has assistance, she mostly enjoys the peace and quiet.

“I sometimes go to Santa Fe, which is one of the artistic and restaurant and new age capitals in the country,” she shared.

Despite her ongoing work, MacLaine emphasized the importance of not overloading oneself with tasks.

“Give it up and learn to amalgamate with nature,” she advised. “I have all the animals around me [in New Mexico]. It’s everything I need to be happy.”

She concluded, “I have what I consider just a perfect life.” MacLaine’s approach to life, combining discipline, positivity, freedom, and connection with nature, offers valuable insights for those seeking to maintain their health and happiness into their later years.

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