Today's Article

Secrets of ‘SuperAgers’ Brain Health

슈퍼에이저, 뇌 건강의 비밀 

They’re called 1SuperAgers by researchers at Northwestern University... 2seniors in their study who are over 80 but with a 3memory that is as good or better than average people in their 50s and 60s. 

“Really less than 10% of people who think that they have 4outstanding memory performance 5end up meeting criteria, so we really think this is a relatively 6rare group.”

The researchers have been studying older adults with 7superior memories for 14 years, comparing SuperAgers with average agers. They say both groups have similar IQs, but the SuperAgers studied have these 8traits in common. They tend to be positive and active, challenge themselves daily, continue to work into their 80s, and are 9social butterflies who often 10volunteer.

“SuperAgers tend to endorse stronger relationships with others. So, they, they like to stay connected so they’re, they’re trying to avoid that 11social isolation and 12loneliness.”

Researchers believe social connectedness may be linked to SuperAgers brain health. The data also points to a genetic link. A SuperAger’s brain usually donated after death was shown to have bigger, healthier cells in the area known to be first “hit” when a person has Alzheimer’s disease.

“[INAUDIBLE] We don’t have any choice of the parents or the genetics that we have, but we do have a lot of other choice in our biologic aging.”