Super Ager: I Segreti per Invecchiare con Mente e Corpo in Forma

<h2 class="native-summary-content paragraph-summary title-art is-small--bre-c-h " spellcheck="true" id="m4267-4266-4268">Modern Research into Longevity</h2><p class="chapter-paragraph">Today, that ancient dream isn’t expressed through magic or cursed portraits, but through laboratories, algorithms, supplements, genetic tests, and technological promises. The quest for eternal youth is no longer a myth, but a buzzword. This pursuit extends beyond Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and visionaries. In recent years, global leaders, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping, have hinted at the possibility of living to 150 years old, fueling a perception of extreme longevity as a new frontier of prestige and control. <a href="https://www.corriere.it/salute/cardiologia/25_settembre_04/l-essere-umano-potrebbe-vivere-fino-a-150-anni-con-quali-tecniche-continui-trapianti-d-organi-f0172896-04f9-46b0-9026-a392fb371xlk.shtml">Researchers are exploring whether humans could potentially live to 150 years old</a> with advancements in techniques like continued organ transplants.</p>

<h2 class="native-summary-content paragraph-summary title-art is-small--bre-c-h " spellcheck="true" id="m4302-4301-4303">How We Age: A Shifting Focus</h2><p class="chapter-paragraph">While public discussion often centers on *living* forever, solid science is shifting attention to a different, and perhaps more realistic, question: <i>how</i> do we age? Researchers are increasingly analyzing “super-agers”— individuals over 80 who maintain remarkable mental and physical function compared to their peers—to understand the factors at play. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/12/25/super-agers-advice-healthy-life/?utm_campaign=wp_news_alert_revere_trending_now&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=alert&amp;location=alert">The Washington Post</i> has highlighted several examples of these exceptional individuals. Understanding the aging process is crucial for developing strategies to promote healthy aging and improve quality of life as populations worldwide grow older.</p></div><div class="content  " id="m4122-4121-4123">

Studies by cardiologists, gerontologists, and researchers at institutions like the Scripps Research Translational Institute are investigating how much genetics contribute to aging versus the impact of environment and lifestyle choices. Preliminary findings suggest that while some individuals may have favorable predispositions, lifestyle remains the most significant factor.

<h2 class="native-summary-content paragraph-summary title-art is-small--bre-c-h " spellcheck="true" id="m4309-4308-4310">Navigating Longevity Myths on Social Media</h2><p class="chapter-paragraph">Social media is filled with claims about longevity. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and researcher at the Scripps Research Translational Institute, cautions that misinformation surrounding longevity, artificial intelligence, and genetics hinders true scientific understanding and can create unrealistic expectations. Topol emphasizes the importance of reliable, contextualized information based on solid clinical data to educate the public about realistic strategies for healthy aging. This underscores the need to distinguish between strong evidence and unfounded promises, a principle guiding research on super-agers.</p></div><div class="content  " id="m4151-4150-4152">




<h2 class="native-summary-content paragraph-summary title-art is-small--bre-c-h " spellcheck="true" id="m4344-4343-4345">Diet: A Mediterranean Approach</h2><p class="chapter-paragraph">A cornerstone of the super-ager lifestyle is diet. Marion Nestle, 89, a noted nutrition expert, consistently emphasizes the fundamental principle of eating whole, unprocessed, and primarily plant-based foods. Similarly, the life of Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to 117 years old, offers a compelling example: in her later years, she followed a typical Mediterranean diet rich in yogurt, fish, olive oil, and fruit. <a href="https://www.corriere.it/salute/25_settembre_25/longevita-svelati-i-segreti-che-hanno-permesso-a-maria-di-arrivare-a-117-anni-4dc74a0c-f3be-462c-a295-4d873a5e6xlk.shtml">Researchers found that Maria Branyas Morera’s longevity was linked to her diet and lifestyle</a>. Experts believe that consistency and simplicity in these dietary choices were as important as the type of food consumed. These findings reinforce established scientific concepts: balanced diets, rich in plants, fiber, and healthy fats, with reduced ultra-processed foods, are associated with improved metabolic performance and a lower risk of chronic diseases.</p></div><div class="content  " id="m4156-4155-4157">




<h2 class="native-summary-content paragraph-summary title-art is-small--bre-c-h " spellcheck="true" id="m4351-4350-4352">The Importance of Staying Active</h2><p class="chapter-paragraph">If diet provides the fuel, movement is the engine of good health. For super-agers like Emma Maria Mazzenga, 92, regular running—two or three times a week—is a routine that not only keeps her body active but also strengthens her psychological resilience. Jeannie Rice, 77, an amateur athlete who runs up to 70-75 miles per week (100-120 kilometers), has an aerobic capacity comparable to a 25-year-old. Her example demonstrates that it’s never too late to start. Research also shows that exercise—particularly resistance training and regular aerobic activity—may be one of the few interventions with concrete evidence in slowing biological aging.</p></div><div class="content  " id="m4161-4160-4162">




<h2 class="native-summary-content paragraph-summary title-art is-small--bre-c-h " spellcheck="true" id="m4358-4357-4359">The Power of Social Connection</h2><p class="chapter-paragraph">All the super-agers interviewed emphasize the importance of social relationships. Staying connected with friends, family, and community isn’t just a personal pleasure; several studies show that social isolation is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Maria Branyas Morera, for example, maintained frequent social contact and daily interactions with those around her. Jeannie Rice not only ran but also regularly socialized with friends and participated in group activities. Social connection becomes a natural “vaccine” against loneliness and apathy, conditions that often accelerate age-related decline.</p></div><div class="content  " id="m4185-4184-4186">




<h2 class="native-summary-content paragraph-summary title-art is-small--bre-c-h " spellcheck="true" id="m4393-4392-4394">Bouncing Back from Challenges</h2><p class="chapter-paragraph">Another recurring element among super-agers is the ability to recover from difficulties. Contrary to the common view of aging as a slow decline, many older individuals report finding renewed momentum after negative events, such as illnesses or physical limitations. This resilience is also documented in studies showing that, with the right conditions—adequate sleep, social support, and physical activity—many people over 60 can return to surprising levels of well-being, even after periods of compromised health.</p></div><div class="content  " id="m4209-4208-4210">




<h2 class="native-summary-content paragraph-summary title-art is-small--bre-c-h " spellcheck="true" id="m4428-4427-4429">A Positive Mindset Matters</h2><p class="chapter-paragraph">Finally, attitude emerges as an essential ingredient. Si Liberman, 101, emphasizes that her optimism wasn’t just an emotional quirk, but a life strategy. Facing a difficult childhood, serious accidents, and health problems, she always maintained a positive outlook on the future: “If I have a cold, I think it will get better. If I’m going through a hard time, I think it will pass.” This predisposition isn’t simply superficial positive thinking, but a recognized ability, supported by positive psychology, to modulate stress, support adaptation, and strengthen mental health—all factors that, combined with healthy food, movement, and relationships, contribute to a fulfilling life even in old age.</p></div>











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    <p class="is-last-update" datetime="2025-12-26T10:32:14+01:00">December 26, 2025</p>
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