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A doctor has shared three characteristics that super-agers tend to have in common.
The term "super-ager" describes elderly people who have exceptional cognitive function, physical abilities and behavioural traits compared to others in the same age category.
Dr Amy Shah has encountered many of these super-agers in her time - including her own parents! So she decided to share her words of wisdom for others who want to live a long and healthy life. The medical expert recommends these three characteristics:
1. Be socially connected
Engaging in conversations and social activities challenges memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills, keeping the brain active and adaptable.
As well as this, social settings often expose you to new ideas, perspectives, and information, which stimulates cognitive function.
Dr Amy is grateful her Indian parents have a rich community around them to offer their support and social connections as they age.
2. Stay physically active
Exercise, especially aerobic activity, has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus (a key memory centre) and slow age-related brain shrinkage.
As well as this, it improves blood to the brain, promotes the growth of new brain cells, supports mental health and encourages routine.
Dr Amy recommends doing three simple exercises every day to stay physically active - sitting down on the floor and standing back up, standing on one leg and doing a deep squat.
3. Challenge your brain
Brain training helps you become a super ager by strengthening cognitive skills, promoting brain plasticity, delaying cognitive decline, encouraging lifelong learning, and boosting emotional well-being.
To keep your brain active, make sure you're challenging yourself with new and varied activities.
Dr Amy recommends puzzles, learning a new dance or playing an instrument as fun ways to achieve this.
Final verdict
Dr Amy's post has garnered more than 15,500 likes and plenty of positive comments. Many also took the time to share their advice too.
One said: "Start doing this no later than age 30. I am serious about this. I used to scoff at this; 'that's not exercise!' Then one day, sooner than you think, you can't."
Another wrote: "Great pointers. Movement is key." Meanwhile, a third added: "Love this advice. I'm going to add the three exercises to my morning routine. Thanks."