What personality trait do SuperAgers share? A deep dive into longevity psychology

According to decades of research from Northwestern University, a distinctive personality trait is one of the most consistent findings in studies of cognitively exceptional "SuperAgers." This fascinating insight into what personality trait do SuperAgers share is revealing new connections between our social nature and lasting cognitive health.

Quick Summary

SuperAgers are consistently found to be more social and extroverted than their peers, with strong, high-quality social relationships being a common thread across their diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.

Key Points

• High Sociability: SuperAgers consistently report strong, positive, and meaningful social relationships.

• Extroverted Tendencies: They tend to be more outgoing and extroverted than their peers, which helps foster an active social life.

• Emotional Resilience: Many SuperAgers demonstrate a remarkable ability to bounce back from significant life challenges.

• Sense of Purpose: Having a deep sense of purpose, whether from family or community involvement, provides motivation and improves overall mental well-being.

• Brain Resilience: Their sociable nature is linked to specific neurobiological features, such as a higher density of von Economo neurons, supporting brain resilience.

The Core Trait: High Sociability and Quality Relationships

Research from the Northwestern SuperAging Research Initiative has consistently identified one primary personality trait among SuperAgers: they are highly social. This involves maintaining strong, high-quality relationships, not just having a large social network. The quality of connections in SuperAgers often exhibits more warmth and trust compared to their cognitively typical peers.

This social tendency has been linked to a specific neurobiological marker. SuperAger brains show a higher density of von Economo neurons, specialized neurons associated with social and emotional behaviors found in highly social mammals. This suggests a possible biological foundation for their social nature.

The Neurobiological Link to Brain Resilience

SuperAgers' brains also exhibit structural differences that may support their cognitive and social abilities. They experience a slower rate of brain volume loss and less thinning of the cortex, particularly in regions like the anterior cingulate cortex. This area is crucial for cognitive functions including motivation, decision-making, and emotional processing, potentially contributing to their tenacity.

The Impact on Well-Being and Resilience

High-quality social interactions are known to mitigate loneliness, a risk factor for cognitive decline. By remaining socially engaged, SuperAgers may benefit from reduced chronic stress and inflammation, which can protect brain cells. Many also demonstrate strong emotional resilience, allowing them to navigate life's challenges with a positive perspective.

More Than Just Social: Purpose, Activity, and Attitude

While sociability is prominent, it's part of a broader psychological profile. Other significant factors include:

• A strong sense of purpose: Many SuperAgers are driven by a deep sense of purpose, often related to family or community, providing meaning and motivation.
• Regular mental stimulation: They frequently engage in mentally challenging activities, such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills, which helps build cognitive reserve and protect against decline.
• Positive attitude: A positive outlook on aging is also observed. Research indicates that satisfaction with aging correlates with better health outcomes.

Can You Learn to Be a SuperAger?

Genetics play a role, but many of the lifestyle and psychological habits of SuperAgers can be adopted. Cultivating a more social life, finding purpose, and embracing challenges can significantly benefit cognitive health at any age.

Actionable Steps for Promoting Longevity Traits

1. Prioritize social connections: Make time for relationships and engage in social activities. Focus on the quality of interactions.
2. Challenge your brain: Engage in new and complex mental tasks.
3. Stay physically active: Regular, gentle exercise supports both physical and cognitive well-being.
4. Embrace purpose: Find activities that give you a sense of meaning.
5. Cultivate a positive outlook: Practice gratitude and challenge negative stereotypes about aging.

SuperAger Traits vs. Typical Aging Trends

Feature	SuperAgers	Typical Aging
Cognitive Function	Exceptional memory, comparable to younger individuals.	Gradual decline in memory and processing speed.
Brain Volume	Slower atrophy, thicker cortex.	Brain shrinkage with age.
Sociability	High-quality, strong social relationships.	Potential for reduced social engagement and increased loneliness.
Resilience	Remarkable emotional resilience.	Varies widely, may decline with stress.
Outlook on Aging	Positive attitude.	Negative attitudes or stereotype acceptance.

Conclusion: The Holistic View of Healthy Aging

The defining personality trait of SuperAgers—high sociability and strong social bonds—is part of a larger picture that includes resilience, purpose, and a positive mindset. While genetics contribute, adopting these behaviors and attitudes can promote healthy aging. Nurturing social and emotional well-being is vital for long-term health, alongside physical health. Learn more about staying connected for healthy aging from the National Institute on Aging: staying connected.

Key Factors in SuperAging

High Sociability: SuperAgers consistently maintain strong, positive, and meaningful social relationships, linked to better cognitive outcomes. Emotional Resilience: Many SuperAgers have a remarkable ability to bounce back from significant life challenges. Sense of Purpose: Having a deep sense of purpose, whether from family, work, or hobbies, provides motivation and improves overall mental well-being. Positive Attitude: A positive outlook on aging and life in general is a shared characteristic, correlating with better physical and mental health. Extroverted Tendencies: While not universally extroverted, SuperAgers as a group lean towards being more outgoing and gregarious than their typically aging peers. Intellectual Engagement: A consistent desire for lifelong learning and mental challenges helps build cognitive reserve and brain resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is a SuperAger? A: A SuperAger is typically someone over 80 with memory and cognitive abilities similar to people 20-30 years younger.

Q: Is being an extrovert the only trait SuperAgers share? A: High sociability and often extroverted tendencies are key, but resilience, purpose, and a positive attitude are also consistently found.

Q: Is there a neurological basis for their sociable personality? A: Yes, SuperAger brains show more von Economo neurons (linked to social behavior) and thicker anterior cingulate cortices (involved in emotion and motivation).

Q: Can you develop SuperAger personality traits as you age? A: While genetics matter, prioritizing social connections, finding purpose, and embracing mental challenges can positively impact cognitive health at any age.

Q: Do SuperAgers lead healthier lifestyles in general? A: SuperAgers have diverse lifestyles; some don't report healthier habits than peers. Social and psychological factors appear to be more consistent predictors.

Q: How does a sense of purpose help with aging? A: A strong sense of purpose is linked to better mental health, lower stress, and improved cognitive function, motivating engagement and contributing to longevity.

Q: Why are positive social relationships so important for the aging brain? A: Strong social connections reduce loneliness and chronic stress, protecting brain cells. They provide stimulation, support, and belonging, crucial for cognitive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single most common personality trait among SuperAgers?

The most consistently identified personality trait among SuperAgers is high sociability, characterized by maintaining strong, high-quality, and meaningful social relationships.

Does being sociable have a biological effect on the brain?

Yes, research indicates a link between high sociability and specific brain characteristics in SuperAgers. Studies found more von Economo neurons, which are associated with social behavior, and thicker anterior cingulate cortices, which relate to emotion and motivation.

Can I cultivate SuperAger traits if I'm not naturally extroverted?

While natural temperament plays a role, you can still develop behaviors associated with these traits. Prioritizing social interactions, finding new purpose, and embracing mental challenges are all actions that can positively impact cognitive health.

Do SuperAgers experience less brain shrinkage with age?

Yes, compared to their typically aging peers, SuperAgers show a significantly slower rate of brain atrophy, particularly a thicker cortex in regions important for memory and attention.

What role does resilience play in the SuperAger profile?

Resilience is a notable characteristic, as many SuperAgers have overcome significant adversity throughout their lives. This perseverance is tied to emotional strength and a positive mindset that helps them cope with life's difficulties effectively.

Do SuperAgers necessarily follow a healthier diet or exercise regimen?

Surprisingly, studies have shown that SuperAgers often have diverse lifestyles, and some do not report healthier eating or exercise habits than their peers. The social and psychological factors appear to be more consistent predictors.

How can one start prioritizing social connections later in life?

Begin by making small, intentional changes. Reconnect with old acquaintances, join a community group or volunteer program, or take a class that interests you. Focus on the quality of interactions rather than the quantity of friends.