Good Morning,
Each week, we’re presented with exciting headlines revealing the next piece of the longevity puzzle, building upon the wisdom of yesterday. For those of us on a quest for a long, vibrant life, we understand that from the mysteries of “SuperAgers” to the daily habits of young entrepreneurs, there’s a world of wisdom to unearth. How do we piece together this ever-evolving puzzle of aging gracefully?
In this edition, we’re taking a closer look at the remarkable “SuperAgers” and following the captivating path of a young entrepreneur challenging age-old notions about aging. Research spearheaded by Xuan-Mai T Nguyen from the US Department of Veteran Affairs indicates that embracing eight specific lifestyle habits could potentially extend one’s life by over two decades.
Let’s dive in…
The Longevity SuperAgers (Washington Post)
“SuperAgers” are shedding light on retaining cognitive health into old age, according to Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Unlike standard aging trajectories, where cognitive decline starts from the 30s or 40s, these remarkable individuals in their 80s possess memory capabilities similar to those decades younger.
Their unique brain structure, especially in the anterior cingulate cortex, shows features of youth and resilience. Notably, they have an abundance of von Economo neurons, which are vital for social behaviors. Factors like genetics, resilience, and lifestyle could determine one’s aging trajectory. Through these findings, Dr. Emily Rogalski believes we can not only improve aging but also redefine elderly potential.
The 39-Year-Old Entrepreneur with a Biological Age of 26 (Insider)
Chris Mirabile, a US entrepreneur with a biological age claim of 26, challenges stringent longevity norms. Instead of extreme health regimens, he champions a balanced approach: good sleep, consistent exercise, and a moderate diet.
Mirabile indulges in treats occasionally but mainly opts for nutrient-rich foods during the week, supplemented by intermittent fasting. He incorporates varied workouts six days a week and prioritizes sleep, using tech like red-hued wifi bulbs pre-bedtime to potentially promote melatonin. Mirabile’s message is clear: a sustainable, holistic lifestyle can lead to longevity without the need for extreme measures.
Veterans’ Key to 20+ Years: 8 Lifelong Habits (The Guardian)
A study led by Xuan-Mai T Nguyen from the US Department of Veteran Affairs suggests that adopting eight lifestyle habits could add over 20 years to one’s life. This research, encompassing data from 700,000 US veterans, revealed that even those who adopt these habits in their middle age can reap significant benefits. Notably, being inactive, opioid use, and smoking were strongly linked to early death.
Professor Naveed Sattar emphasizes that lifestyle often matters more than medication. The key habits include a balanced diet, abstaining from smoking, adequate sleep, physical activity, stress management, moderate alcohol consumption, avoiding opioids, and fostering positive social relationships.
In the dance of life, every wrinkle, every memory, tells a story. The tales of “SuperAgers” and insights from people shaking up the norms give us a fresh lens to look at aging. It’s not just about adding years to our life, but life to our years. It’s about embracing each moment, understanding the lessons time gifts us, and channeling that wisdom to live our best lives.
Remember, it’s often the simple daily choices, the little routines, that have the most profound impact. As we keep moving forward, let’s soak in every lesson, laugh a little louder, and age with grace and gusto.
Stay inspired,
The Longr Reads Team
“Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.”
Stanislaw Jerzy Lec, Poet
Longr Reads’ of the Week
- ‘We have to invest much more in our future selves’ (Financial Times)
- Inside one of Europe’s first longevity clinics (Sifted)
- Are you ready for the “Longevity Economy”? (Stanford Business School)