Researchers who study “SuperAgers” for a living share the key behaviors that can improve your life expectancy.
Remaining healthy and sharp are goals for most people as theyage.
Northwestern University is one of just a handful of institutions in the country that have SuperAging research programs.
For us, a SuperAger is not just someone whos long-lived.
Its also someone whos maintained a fairly high level of physical, cognitive, psychological and social well-being.
How people go about accomplishing these qualities can be vastly different.
For some, it is drinking a beer [or a few] at night.
For others, its abstaining from vices.
Some are still running successful businesses, while others have been retired for years, Gefen said.
But there are exceptions.
The researchers we spoke to stressed that there is no direct roadmap to becoming a SuperAger.
Here are the key habits to practice:
1.
Move your body regularly.
But these may just be activities like gardening, doing crafts, kind of working around the house.
Evenwalkingcounts as movement, with Ailshire adding that a focal point for SuperAgers is avoiding sedentary behavior.
But theyre very physically active and they have been their entire lives.
Engage in social activities.
Research showspeople with strong social connections live longer and have better cognitive and physical health.
Do what you’ve got the option to to reduce controllable stress.
Between work, money, medical issues and family problems,life is inherently stressful.
But keeping your brain and body sharp means reducing unnecessary stress at all costs.
However, the key is making it mentally stimulating for you.
Gefen noted that if a certain task, like a crossword puzzle, induces panic, dont bother.
Make time for the things you enjoy.
