How Do Super-Agers Stay Young? What 25 Years of Research Has Revealed.

Published: Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 11:00 am

Super-Agers: Northwestern University Study Reveals Secrets to Cognitive Health

A new review paper published this week summarizes 25 years of research conducted by Northwestern University scientists on a unique group of individuals known as "super-agers." These individuals, aged 80 and older, exhibit memory abilities comparable to those of people 20 to 30 years younger. The study aims to understand how these individuals have managed to avoid age-related cognitive decline and memory disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

The research, which began in 2000, has focused on identifying the factors that contribute to the exceptional cognitive health of super-agers. The study highlights the diversity within this group, noting that they do not adhere to a single diet, exercise routine, or medication regimen. However, a key commonality has emerged: the importance they place on social relationships.

According to Sandra Weintraub, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, who has been involved in the research since its inception, social connections are a defining characteristic of super-agers. Furthermore, the study indicates that super-agers tend to be extroverted.

The research provides valuable insights into the potential for maintaining cognitive health in later life. While the specific mechanisms remain under investigation, the emphasis on social engagement and personality traits offers promising avenues for further exploration and potential interventions. The study underscores the complex interplay of factors that contribute to healthy aging and the importance of considering both lifestyle and personality in promoting cognitive resilience.

BNN's Perspective: The findings from Northwestern University's long-term study on super-agers are encouraging. While there's no simple formula for aging well, the emphasis on social connections and personality traits offers a practical takeaway. Fostering strong social networks and embracing an extroverted approach to life could be beneficial for cognitive health as we age. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, but the initial findings provide a positive outlook on the potential for maintaining cognitive vitality in later life.

Keywords: super-agers, cognitive health, aging, memory, Alzheimer's disease, social relationships, extroversion, Northwestern University, research, cognitive decline

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