What does it mean to be a “superager”?

The term superaging is often used to describe people who maintain unusually strong cognitive abilities and functional capacity as they grow older. They may be in their 70s, 80s or even 90s, yet continue to think clearly, learn new things, solve problems, remain socially engaged, and maintain an active interest in life.

Superaging does not mean that we don't get older. It doesn't mean that we won't develop arthritis, lose some muscle strength, become fatigued, or need a little more help with certain activities. And it certainly doesn't mean that we have discovered a magic formula for avoiding every problem associated with aging.

Instead, superaging is about how we continue to live, learn, participate and adapt despite the changes that come with getting older.

Superaging and the brain

One of the most important aspects of superaging is maintaining an active mind.

Our brains benefit from being used. Learning something new—whether it is a computer program, a new hobby, photography, a musical instrument, a language, writing or even how to use a new piece of technology—gives the brain something to work on.

Reading, writing, doing puzzles, playing games, participating in discussions, taking classes and learning new skills can all provide mental stimulation.

But perhaps one of the most important things we can do is remain curious.

Don't stop asking questions.

Don't assume that because we are 70, 80 or 90 years old, there is nothing left to learn. Quite the opposite. We have accumulated decades of experience. That experience gives us something younger people don't have: a lifetime of knowledge with which to evaluate new information.

Reasoning and problem-solving

Superaging also means continuing to use our ability to reason and solve problems.

We make decisions every day. We evaluate information, compare alternatives, plan ahead, and determine what works best for us.

Getting older may require us to change the way we do things. Perhaps we need to organize our day differently, take more frequent breaks, find a simpler way to accomplish a task, or ask for assistance.

Those aren't signs of giving up.

They are examples of problem-solving.

Learning to work with our changing bodies and circumstances rather than constantly fighting against them can be a form of intelligent adaptation.

Staying active—but redefining ‘active’

Being active doesn't necessarily mean running, going to a gym, or walking five miles.

Being active can mean exercising within our abilities, taking a walk, gardening, swimming, shopping, pursuing hobbies, doing household activities, visiting friends, volunteering, or simply getting out of the house and participating in life.

The definition of activity may change as we age.

The important thing is to keep moving and participating in ways that are safe and appropriate for us.

When mobility becomes more difficult

For some older superagers, mobility becomes increasingly challenging. Arthritis, weakness, balance problems, fatigue or other age-related changes can make walking long distances difficult.

This can sometimes lead people to stop going places altogether.

But there is another way to look at it.

A cane, walker, scooter or wheelchair can be a tool for independence—not a symbol of giving up.

A mobility device may allow someone to conserve energy and still go shopping, attend a concert, visit friends, participate in a community activity, or enjoy a family outing.

The goal isn't necessarily to walk farther.

The goal is to live more.

Learning to conserve energy and use available resources wisely can actually allow us to remain more active and involved.

Nutrition and health matter

Superaging isn't only about keeping our brains active and staying socially connected. Taking care of our physical health is equally important.

Good nutrition becomes especially important as we grow older. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough protein and nutrients, staying properly hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight can help support our strength, energy and overall well-being. We should also keep up with recommended vaccinations and routine health screenings, and make our regular medical appointments.

And don't ignore something that is new or unusual.

If you develop new pain, a new symptom, a change in your health or a medical problem that doesn't seem right, don't simply wait to see if it gets worse. Contact your primary care physician promptly and find out what may be causing it. Early attention to a problem can sometimes prevent a small problem from becoming a much larger one.

Getting medical care has also become easier in many situations. If getting to the doctor's office is difficult, ask whether a telehealth appointment is appropriate. A phone or video visit may allow you to discuss a new concern with your health care provider without having to travel.

And don't forget your dental health. Regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene remain important throughout our lives. Problems involving the teeth and gums can affect overall health, so don't put off dental visits simply because you are getting older.

Superaging doesn't mean never getting sick or never needing medical care.

It means paying attention to our health, taking action when something changes, and doing what we can to give ourselves the best opportunity to remain active and engaged.

Mindset matters

Perhaps one of the most important characteristics of superaging is mindset.

Growing older inevitably involves change. The question is how we respond to that change.

There can be a tendency to think, “I used to be able to do that.”

Of course we did.

But constantly comparing today's body with the body we had at 30, 40 or 50 can become discouraging.

A healthier question might be:

“What can I do today, and how can I do it better?”

That change in thinking can make a tremendous difference.

We may need to change how we accomplish something. We may need more rest. We may need equipment. We may need assistance. We may need to slow down.

None of those things diminish who we are.

Stay connected

Superaging isn't just about the brain and body. It is also about remaining connected to other people.

Friends, family, community activities, organizations, volunteering, online groups and meaningful conversations can keep us engaged.

Isolation can cause us to withdraw from life. Engagement pulls us back into it.

Whenever possible, get out and participate. Attend a religious service or group meeting. Go to a concert or movie. Join a book club. Attend a lecture, community event, or social gathering. Have lunch with friends.

These activities do more than provide entertainment.

They require us to listen, think, remember, communicate, make decisions and interact with other people. They expose us to new ideas and different perspectives. They give us something to look forward to.

For someone with mobility limitations, getting out may require more planning and energy conservation. That's okay. We don't necessarily have to do everything we once did. We can choose the activities that are meaningful to us and use our energy wisely so that we can participate.

The objective isn't simply to stay busy.

It is to stay engaged.

Keep developing skills

Another important part of superaging is continuing to develop skills.

Technology provides an excellent example.

Learning how to use a smartphone, computer, video-conferencing program, artificial intelligence or social media may initially be frustrating. But learning something unfamiliar challenges the brain to adapt.

And that is precisely the point.

Don't let your age become an excuse for stopping your education.

We may not learn as quickly as we did when we were 20. That's okay.

The objective isn't to compete with younger people.

The objective is to keep our brains engaged.

Superaging is about adaptation

Perhaps the best word for superaging is “adaptation.”

As we age, we may have to adapt to changes in our strength, balance, energy, vision, hearing, mobility or memory. We may have to change our routines and discover new ways of doing familiar things.

Superaging doesn't mean pretending that we're still 30.

It means accepting where we are—and then asking:

“What can I do to make the most of the years ahead?”

We cannot control every aspect of aging.

But we can influence how we respond to it.

Keep learning.

Keep thinking.

Keep moving in whatever way is safe and appropriate for you.

Keep solving problems.

Keep connecting with people.

Keep trying new things.

And perhaps most importantly, keep participating in life.

Superaging may not mean doing everything we once did.

It may mean becoming very good at something we have been doing throughout our lives:

Adapting.

Michael Kossove is professor emeritus and an adjunct professor of microbiology at Touro University’s School of Health Sciences. He is a polio researcher, international polio lecturer, a polio survivor and the author of “Polio Post-Polio and the Survivors.” He writes opinion columns for the River Reporter.