Sel Yackley, an 85-year-old “SuperAger,” has shattered the norm of declining cognitive abilities with age. Her story highlights that genetics and determination can play a role in aging, but it’s not the sole determining factor. With nearly 300 people participating in the Northwestern University SuperAging Program since 2000, Yackley is among the select few who have defied the odds.
Yackley’s definition of “superaging” lies in her ability to retain her youthful memory capacity and overall cognitive function despite reaching 80-plus years old. She attributes her success to a combination of factors including joie de vivre, social connections, and a balanced lifestyle.
Research by Dr. M. Marsel Mesulam’s team at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine has found that SuperAgers have structural differences in their brains, particularly more entorhinal neurons which are key to memory, and larger von Economo neurons associated with social behavior.
The study emphasizes the importance of understanding what makes these “superaging” individuals tick. Researchers like Dr. Timothy Chang believe analyzing outlier populations like SuperAgers can provide valuable insights into how genetics, lifestyle factors, or other factors contribute to avoiding Alzheimer’s disease.
Yackley is now part of a growing number of SuperAgers actively involved in research and hopes her brain will be studied after she passes away. Her determination to live life to the fullest serves as an inspiration for others looking to make the most of their aging years.
While the prevalence of SuperAgers remains unclear, their existence highlights that aging doesn’t have to be a debilitating experience. With proper care, social connections, and a proactive approach to health, individuals can defy the odds and live life on their own terms.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/aging/superaging-memory-social-aging-northwestern-university-study-over-80-rcna222908