A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal suggests that older adults with razor-sharp memories, known as 'superagers,' enjoy better mental health and move more quickly than typical older adults. Superagers, in their eighties, have memory abilities comparable to those of people decades younger. They seem to resist the age-related decline in memory that most people experience as they get older.

Researchers found that superagers have more grey matter in key brain regions linked to memory function based on MRI scans. This extra grey matter is associated with better memory preservation over time. Surprisingly, superagers showed no differences in biomarkers or genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, indicating resistance to memory decline related to ageing.

The study involved a large group of older adults and identified factors associated with superaging. Faster movement speed and better mental health were the most common traits found in superagers. Despite similar reported exercise levels, superagers performed better in mobility and fine motor function tests, and they had lower levels of anxiety and depression than typical older adults.

The research also revealed that superagers had generally more active lifestyles in midlife, better sleep satisfaction, and a higher likelihood of having a musical background. They also demonstrated greater independence and scored higher on intelligence tests.

While the study sheds light on the factors associated with superaging, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind their exceptional memory and movement abilities. The findings may eventually help in developing strategies to preserve memory function in older people and prevent age-related memory decline.

Overall, superagers present a fascinating area of study, offering insights into the resilience of the brain and providing hope for better cognitive health in old age.