When I was little, I remember reading a story that had a bold statement.
“With the crown of snow comes wisdom.”
That striking quote pertains to why we should listen attentively to what the elders would say.
It is either a secret to long life, a striking matter, or a principle that stood the test of time.
Superagers are not a symbol of outdatedness. They thrived for long with a sharper memory.
But do you know that they have one secret habit that we can apply?
Here’s what recent studies have found out about the secret of the superagers.
What’s a Superager?
A superager is an older adult who is in their 80s or above who has retained their sharp memories.
Hence, older age but younger minds.
Superagers, despite their old age, have resilient minds tied to consistent learning.
They are considered uncommon, as mental slowdown is expected among the elderly.
What’s Their Secret?
Several studies and interviews have shown that the primary secret among the superagers is their ability to have steady emotions.
This is the ability of a person to manage their stress better by resolving their problems calmly.
Superagers perceived that emotional steadiness comes with letting go of the bygones and understanding that everything happens for a purpose.
Chronic stress is understood as your greatest obstacle to achieving a longer, healthier, and fulfilling life.
Stress Effects on the Brain
Stress is considered your number 1 enemy in achieving a healthy and sharp brain.
It directly and slowly interferes with the inner workings of your brain.
The effects of stress on the brain are to speed up brain aging and make the memory centers more vulnerable to diminishing.
That’s why superagers appear wiser and sharper because they maintain great management to their stress well.
How to Achieve this Trait?
To live like a superager, you must first condition your mind.
Emotional steadiness is not a matter of survival, but an emotional steadfastness.
This trait can be achieved even if you are still too young. Treat your mind as a knife that needs to maintain its sharpness.
Some researchers suggest that brain scans are great for determining your brain health, especially in the regions that are responsible for your emotions.
Other essential activities that make you achieve this trait include regular exercise, open communication, establishing purposeful routines, quality sleep, and being sociable.
Debunking the Myth (What Research Says?)
Let’s clarify some things about this secret.
It does not mean that superagers are happy-go-lucky, consistently happy, or entirely free of their problems.
They can still feel the negative emotions. But the difference is how long they will process these emotions and feel normal.
Superagers perceive that life has a purposeful meaning. That’s why getting their life on track is a personal priority.
Research says that superagers live a balanced life, and how one can master their emotions.
Recovery, practicality, and genuine connection are what make them alive and healthy.
Stress Management is the Way Forward
Superagers taught us one thing in life.
Never underestimate the power of your memory.
You don’t have to be a genius or a god-like freethinker.
The brain’s flexibility depends entirely on how you manage your stress well.
While we’re young, we can start making our brains sharper and healthier.
Manage your stress, live purposefully, and do everything with calmness. That’s the way you can achieve the mental habits of the superagers.
Consequently, helping you transition to a healthy lifestyle.