Mental capacity in old age - How to become a super-ager
In a holistic study, brain researchers are on the trail of the secret of the super-brain seniors. These seniors - also called super-agers - are people who are more than 80 years old, but have a memory capacity like 50-year-olds or even younger people.
According to the Ärzteblatt, the brain researchers suspect a special feature in the brain area called the anterior gyrus cinguli. On the basis of five examined brains of deceased super-agers, it can be said so far that their brains show significantly fewer deposits than comparison brains. Likewise, the number of economo-neurons was much higher; those very large neurons that only humans and apes have.
At least as interesting as these scientific findings is another component. Namely, it is about the lifestyle of super-agers, which has numerous distinctions from that of normal humans. Thus, super-agers report on interesting tricks, admirable attitudes, varied undertakings and still amazing life tasks. At the same time, many tell their stories frankly and full of enthusiasm. Each seems to follow his or her own individual lifestyle. But they all have a few things in common: In fact, almost all of them get up early (and prefer to go to bed earlier). What other good habits do they cultivate?
Alterix has taken a closer look at the super-brain seniors. Here you can find out everything you need to know.
Super-Ager Cathy shows how it's done
Cathi Watson is a good example of a super-ager. Because she runs a blog on which she inspires others to test their full potential and call on it. instead of believing that old age forces you to become moronic. So, in the words of Mark Twain, she says: "Age has nothing to do with years and numbers. Age is a matter of attitude." She loves to quote interesting people. In her charming and glamorous podcast, she reveals how she lives and talks "off the cuff" about how she keeps challenging herself. She doesn't at all like to do without glamour in old age and promptly recommends a site to her listeners where they can look at beautiful glamorous ladies over 80.
Then she asks her listeners what they do all day long when they are retired. Nothing? Oh no, that doesn't work for Cathy at all! The brain wants to be challenged. That's how it stays awake and alive. That's why Cathy is always devoting herself to new projects. She also teaches people how to help themselves; for example, to find their expression or to share their gifts. Because in addition to the brain and memory, agers are also concerned with the soul. But you will learn more about this later in the section on internal medicine.
"You need to train your body," Cathy advises firmly. "And don't tell me you can't because... There is a sport for everyone. There are so many sports that cater to all kinds of limitations." The oxygen that the brain needs and takes in more of when you exercise helps maintain mental performance, Cathy adds.
Successful recipe against Alzheimer's and deposits in the brain
From a super-ager perspective, it's clear: sport, sport and more sport!
Building block #1: Sport
The study on super agers by Feinberg University in Chicago clearly shows: super agers keep themselves physically fit and this is absolutely necessary. No one who wants to stay happy and mentally alert can avoid it. In particular, those types of movement that address several areas of the brain at the same time prove to be good for the brain. These include yoga, tai chi and dancing, for example. They all address brain areas with the following tasks:
- Motor skills
- Spatial sense
- Orientation
- Kinesthetic sensory system
The latter is linked to brain functions such as memory, language, learning and emotions.
"Movement accelerates to maximum brain performance," explains Siegfried Lehrl, a psychologist at the University of Erlangen and an expert on brain jogging. Movement to music also activates a brain region in the right hemisphere particularly strongly, which also activates Broca's region in the left hemisphere and thus promotes the synchronisation of both brain hemispheres. This creates harmony in the entire "human" system: in thinking, feeling and acting.
Building block #2: Nutrition
Building block number two is nutrition. Here it is important to ensure that the body receives all essential substances. Some super agers, for example, eat according to the teachings of Ayurveda, others vegan or with raw food. Whatever the preferred approach to nutrition, it is always important to pay attention to the needs of the body and how these change with age. You can learn more about these needs in our article on proper nutrition in old age.
What all agers have in common is that they think about all these aspects in the area of nutrition. They inform themselves comprehensively so that they choose their food well. In addition, all super agers listen to their body's feedback and react with changes in case of negative developments. They also avoid or reduce substances that are known to be unhealthy, such as:
- Nicotine & alcohol
- Acid-forming foods (e.g. meat, white bread, sweets)
- Highly processed foods (e.g. canned food, convenience food, fast food)
Super agers like "internal medicine
Cathy and other super-agers also show us how important a life task or passion is in the life of every person. Cathy considers passions to be crucial for mental performance. Cathy sees her own mission in demonstrating a new concept of ageing. "What is your mission?" she asks her listeners through the internet radio and at the same time challenges them to also create a podcast and tell everyone what they are burning for.
It is not our brains and bodies that are ageing, Cathy believes, but we ourselves. Fortunately, it's in our hands; we can make the choice to stay mentally and physically fit and - the icing on the cake - look beautiful. All her tips and methods are natural, she says, and work much better than any medicine.
In addition to their life's work or a subject they are passionate about, super-agers also like to talk about their lively and positive social environment. They love lively conversations and exchanges to help others. Many are involved in voluntary work. The Ärzteblatt has already reported on the connection between community and health and how good human connections are also for the activity of our brains. More neurotransmitters like oxytocin are released and neurons can fire better. More activity with good blood circulation and plenty of oxygen keep the brain fit and memory on the go.
Creativity is also part of the internal medicine of the super-agers; or the challenges that you set yourself again and again in order to challenge your brain.
The quintessence of Ager reports and the study situation...
... is our attitude and mentality!
Because both are decisive for everything else: Whether you can always motivate yourself to do your sport regularly. Or how you react to life's inevitable crises - whether you can see them as challenges or as something that weakens you and shouldn't have been there in the first place. Whether you manage to develop some positive habits that suit you and are fun.
This is all a matter of inner attitude. You have to pay attention to this inner attitude; consciously in every moment: "What do I think about this? What do I decide?"
