Meet the Super Agers
My vibrant 80+ year-old parents reveal the secrets to longevity.
Spending time with your aging parents or grandparents offers you a glimpse into your own future — for better or worse.
Fortunately for me, my father and stepmother at 87 and 85 years young, are the very definition of vibrant.
On this visit to Fort Lauderdale, they insisted on picking me up from the airport. I had homemade dumplings waiting for me post flight. And, while I ate my soup, they eagerly ran through our social schedule for the week: a dinner party with friends, a day of shopping in Palm Beach and an early birthday celebration for me at their favorite spot.
They are the epitome of a Super Ager, “someone who maintains exceptional cognitive and physical function, often performing as well as — or better than — individuals decades younger.”
Huberman attributes the enhanced neuroplasticity and cognitive longevity of Super Agers to their consistent pursuit of difficult tasks and a strong will to live1, but I think my parents are just curious, energetic and full of wonder.
I’ve asked them to share the secrets to their longevity.
I’m so lucky to have my parents to inspire me. Send this to someone you love as a gentle reminder that the end goal of all of our optimizations is a long and joyful life.
Living Their Best Lives
As I write this substack, my dad is playing 18 holes of golf and my stepmother is preparing her legendary Ginger Scallion Branzino recipe for dinner. I was instructed to “get my work done” in time to join them on their afternoon walk on the beach.
Over the past few days observing this spritely pair, I can attest to their adherence to the pillars of good health and the ease in which they maintain their lifestyle.
You see it’s not an arduous task for them to stay healthy. It’s just who they are.
My Dad aka Dr Chen (87 years young):
Profession: Physician and surgeon.
Obsessed with golf. If he is not playing, he is watching YouTube videos to improve his game or practicing his putting.
On non-golf days, he goes to the gym to lift weights, plays guitar, takes French lessons and researches biotech stocks.
My Step-Mom Carol (85 years young):
Profession: commercial real estate, managed her son’s plastic surgery practice
An excellent chef. She develops healthy recipes and hosts a lot of dinner parties.
She plans all of the vacations, activities and social outings with family and friends.
Longevity Secrets from the Super Agers
I asked my parents to share a little bit about their daily routine and what they believe to be the drivers of their exceptional health.
What do you eat for breakfast?
Dr Chen: Carol makes us a cold pressed juice with celery, beet, carrot, ginger, green apple and olive oil with some of the pulp. Then I have decaf coffee or English Breakfast tea with milk.
Carol: Every morning, I make breakfast for both of us. It’s usually chia pudding with flax seeds, hemp hearts, basil seeds (influenced by Celia) and homemade almond milk. Sometimes we add organic berries and spiced nuts.
Give us some health advice.
Dr Chen: Exercise your body and brain every day. Limit alcohol and BBQ foods (carcinogenic).
Carol: Cook more at home with only the freshest, organic ingredients. Experience new things and places.
What do you do to stay healthy and joyful?
Dr Chen: I am very active playing golf, practicing guitar and learning languages every day. I take daily supplements (Omega 3’s, CoQ10, probiotics, essential minerals, pomegranate). I eat a mostly pescatarian diet. I try to limit sugar (except ice cream).
Carol: I walk every day. I started to play golf to spend more time in nature with Richard. I take the same supplements as well as some hormones. I read the labels of everything I buy, including beauty products to make sure they are clean. I grow herbs, arugula and peaches in my garden. I’m always moving. I can’t sit still and watch TV.
Both: We take ballroom dancing classes and play Mah Jong once a week. We love fashion and dressing up!
What is the secret to your longevity?
Dr Chen: Golf. My wife.
Carol: Companionship. Worry less.
Both: Love
Characteristics of a Super Ager
What I’ve observed in my parents is a common thread among all Super Agers over 80. The key is to cultivate these traits early in life and sustain them over time. While some decline is common, it is by no means inevitable.
1. Strong Cognition
sharp memory, problem-solving skills and mental agility
2. Physical Vitality
high muscle mass, mobility, cardiovascular endurance
3. Active Social Life
frequent social interactions, daily activities, healthy connection
4. Healthy Diet & Lifestyle
whole foods, consistent sleep, daily movement, little alcohol & sugar
5. Optimistic Mindset
low stress, ability to face adversity, positive outlook
The takeaway: I may be the one working in health optimization, but my parents are my greatest teachers. Maybe all the biohackers so desperate to avoid death should remember to truly live.
Do you want to be a Super Ager? Have a parent that needs some encouragement? It’s never too late to invest in your health and have fun along the way. Just ask my parents!
They are an inspirational couple!
this is so inspiring (and so sweet)! such a good reminder that these fundamental daily habits are what determine our health x