What Is the 'Superpower' of Centenarians?
Scientists have discovered that 'superagers' who live past 100 possess extraordinary cognitive abilities—their memory, attention, and executive function far exceed those of their peers, rivaling people decades younger. This ability is not accidental but closely linked to specific changes in brain structure and function.
Why Do Brains Age at Different Rates?
Research shows that superagers maintain greater cortical thickness, particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions associated with memory. Their neuronal connections are denser, and neurotransmitter levels are more stable. Additionally, they exhibit lower levels of brain inflammation and significantly less accumulation of tau protein and beta-amyloid plaques compared to typical older adults.
How to Tell If You Have This Potential
- Memory self-test: Can you easily recall detailed events from a week ago?
- Attention test: Can you stay focused for over 20 minutes in a distracting environment?
- Learning ability: Can you still quickly master new skills or knowledge?
- Emotional stability: Can you quickly recover your calm under stress?
How to Cultivate a 'Longevity Brain'
Even without a natural 'superpower,' you can slow brain aging through deliberate effort: follow a Mediterranean diet, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, ensure 7-8 hours of quality sleep, continuously learn new things, and stay socially active. These habits have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Want to scientifically track your brain health indicators? The Xiaoshu Health App can sync with Apple Health to monitor sleep, heart rate, activity levels, and other metrics, helping you comprehensively track physiological indicators related to longevity and detect potential risks early.