Takeaways from new research on super agers & centenarians
We may not all be able to live to 85, 90 or 100, but new clues about the unique biology of those who do can provide actionable intelligence for living healthy for as long as possible.
The BLUF (bottom line up front): Research into the biology of long-living older adults reveals unique differences in so-called super agers and centenarians vs other people, and suggests what we can do to help us live longer, too.
The bodies and brains of very old and healthy people are roadmaps with some useful directions for people interested in aging with existential strength.
Two recent studies examined complementary facets of what separates so-called super agers—people who live well into their 80s in superb health—and centenarians from everyone else. Each report suggests that the biology of staying remarkably fit in body and mind may be far more flexible than most people over 50 have been led to believe.In other words: the new science supports the idea that moving your body with purpose daily, and feeding it whole food and clocking sufficient sleep, puts you in position for maximum healthy longevity. (For paying subscribers, here are several actionable recommendations to move and feed your body like its 1899).
What the centenarian & super ager studies revealed
The research on Swiss centenarians (press release here; scientific paper here) finds that certain 100‑year‑olds have blood protein patterns that look more like those of middle‑aged adults.
The new examination of brain tissue taken posthumously from “super‑agers” in their 80s (decent NYT summary here; scientific paper here) finds that they made roughly twice as many new brain cells as their peers, helping them keep unusually sharp memories.
Together these findings suggest that, even very late in life, the brain and body can stay far more youthful than we once thought.
Here are the actionable strategies & suggestions on how to implement them:
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