In 2007, researchers sought to understand what made “SuperAgers” – individuals living into their 80s with excellent brain health. Nearly two decades later, the study’s leader, Dr. Eric Topol, reveals that lifestyle plays a much greater role than genetics in determining SuperAger status.
The “wellderly” cohort of over 1,000 people, aged 87 on average, helped scientists redefine what it means to be a SuperAger. According to Topol, only a small component of their longevity is attributed to genetics, while lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet take center stage.
Topol’s latest book highlights the importance of three key lifestyle changes for achieving longer life:
1. Exercise: The gold standard for health, exercise reduces heart disease risk, maintains brain function, and decreases age-related falls and frailty.
2. Mediterranean Diet: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and olive oil is the most protective against chronic diseases, according to Topol’s research.
3. Preventative Screening: Regular screenings can help predict and prevent age-related diseases, allowing individuals to take control of their health earlier.
Topol emphasizes that reversing aging or “gamifying” longevity is not the goal; rather, reducing chronic disease risk is key. By adopting these lifestyle changes, individuals can increase their chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Source: https://fortune.com/well/2025/05/23/superagers-eric-topol