What is a Super Ager?
Most of use believe that as we age, some changes in our memory and word finding ability are to be expected. But many of us know someone in their 80's or 90's who is both cognitively and physically younger than their years would suggest. Have you ever wondered why some people age so well while others seem "old" in their 50's? While genetics surely plays a role, the vast majority of this can be attributed to lifestyle. Scientists have studied this phenomenon and have discovered that these so call "Super-Agers" have 5 things in common.
They have a physically active lifestyle.
They are lifelong learners and challenge themselves to try new things.
They are socially active.
They eat a healthy diet/have a healthy heart.
They have moderate alcohol use (1-2 drinks/day)...yes, really!
Most adults begin to worry about changes in cognition if they have a loved one with mild memory loss or know someone diagnosed with Dementia. While there are many Cognitive and Language based strategies that can be used to help someone with Dementia, the best strategy is prevention. I learned about this concept of a "Super-Ager" a few years ago and since then, have made it my mission to be a Super-Ager myself and to educate others to help them reach that goal as well.
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