We have each met or likely know someone in their 80s or beyond, who appears happily young at heart, brighter and fitter than their advanced years. These lucky folk are what scientists term “super-agers” – defined as individuals aged over 80 with mental faculties that more closely resemble someone middle aged. Indeed, most of the literature on Super Agers has focused on their exceptional cognitive abilities[1]. However, a recently published Australian study was the first to ask older adults themselves, what do they consider to constitute “super-ageing”?[2]
A Positive Attitude is Key
Geriatrician and neurologist, Dr. Powell, conducted interviews and focus groups on the topic with 39 Australian community members aged between 65 and 101, living independently and without cognitive impairment. Whilst cognition was deemed relevant by participants, a positive attitude towards ageing, particularly the motivation to seek out new experiences and activities and to maintain good health, was considered especially important. One participant spoke of super-agers as being,
“… still interested in things. Still think there is something they can do.”
Keeping busy and being involved in the community were also highly emphasised, and linked to functional ability and independence. Participants stressed that super-aging status needs to be personalised in the context of an individual’s circumstances, innate abilities, opportunities presented, and what an individual enjoys. As one participant explained,
“It depends on what you want to achieve. Not everybody wants to work with their brain and not everybody wants to work with their back”.
The participants stressed caution in discriminating against older people who might not be defined as “exceptional.”
What We Can Learn From Super Agers
Certainly, super-aging is not something that can be achieved by everyone. However, gaining greater understanding of Super Agers may help us learn more about maintaining better brain health. Attitude as a modifiable driver of activity, and the importance of continued community engagement are targetable constructs. Turning the focus on older adults who are living well, could counter some of the stigma around ageing too.
[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/unlocking-the-secrets-of-super-agers
[2] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01924788.2025.2455263?src=exp-la