What the Brains of ‘SuperAgers’ Teach Us About Staying Sharp

Defying Age with Exceptional Minds

What if growing older didn’t have to mean slowing down mentally? That’s the question driving Northwestern University’s 25-year study on “SuperAgers” — people in their 80s whose brains function like those of middle-aged adults. These remarkable individuals experience less brain volume loss, fewer Alzheimer’s-related changes, and show sharper memory and reasoning than most of their peers.

Researchers found one standout trait shared by nearly all SuperAgers: they’re highly social and outgoing. This connection between social interaction and cognitive resilience may be one of the most powerful lessons for people of all ages.

The Science Behind Staying Social

The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, revealed that SuperAgers have four to five times more von Economo neurons — large, specialized brain cells linked to social processing and awareness. Whether these neurons develop because of social activity or vice versa remains unclear, but the takeaway is strong: staying connected is good for your brain.

Experts note that social interaction can lower stress, release the “feel-good” hormone oxytocin, and encourage healthy habits around diet, sleep, and exercise. “Chronic isolation can be as bad for your health as smoking,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute.

Habits for a Healthy Brain

Neurologist Dr. Clifford Segil recommends structured engagement as we age: taking classes, joining clubs, volunteering, reading, and listening to music — all of which keep the mind active and challenged.

Socializing, he adds, isn’t just good for the soul; it’s a workout for the brain.