Latest news with #SuperAgers
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What's the Best Age to Start Building Healthy Habits to Boost Longevity? An Expert Explains
Aging is a natural part of life. Despite what the anti-aging industry tries to sell you, you can't stop the clock. However, there are ways to maintain and improve our physical and mental wellbeing as we age, which may help slow down the biological aging process and prevent age-related diseases. Maximizing our "healthspan," or the number of years we live in good health and disease-free, is just as important as maximizing our lifespan, according to Dr. Eric Topol, cardiologist and longevity scientist at the Scripps Research Institute. previously spoke with Topol about his science-backed lifestyle habits to age healthier in his New York Times bestseller 'Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity.' These include things like exercising regularly, avoiding ultra-processed foods, prioritizing nutrition, eating enough fiber, getting enough sleep, and staying mentally active. When is the best time to build these healthy aging habits? Expert Tip of the Day: It's Never Too Early or Late to Prioritize Healthy Aging "It's never too early or too late," Topol said of starting healthy aging habits in a TODAY segment aired June 25. Generally, your 60s are when you start to experience significant loss of muscle mass and bone density. "As you get to be 60, age-related diseases start to really hit," said Topol. These include cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer's. The earlier you start building healthy aging habits, the better, says Topol. However, if you can start adopting these by your 50s, it can make a big difference. "In advance of that (decline) in your 60s, if you start at age 50 doing all those things, it's about seven to 10 years of healthy aging that you can gain," says Topol. But if you're over 50 or 60 and haven't changed your habits, it's never too late to start. Why It Matters Previously, it was thought that the secret to aging healthy was good genes. But in a 2007 study, Topol and other scientists at Scripps Institute analyzed the DNA of 1,400 people between the ages of 80–105 who had never developed any common chronic diseases. "We found almost nothing to account from their genetics for their extraordinary healthspan," said Topol. However, they did share common lifestyle habits that may help slow down biological aging, he explained. "Exercise is paramount, (especially) strength training," said Topol, adding that it not only maintains muscle mass and bone density but also promotes balance, which prevents falls. It also keeps the immune system strong as we age. In his late 60s, Topol started strength training three days a week. "I'm more fit and stronger than I can ever remember,' Topol, now 71, said. It's also important to eat a balanced diet that provides enough protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Fiber is a standout healthy aging nutrient, said Topol, and getting enough of fiber can help prevent chronic disease. And prioritizing sleep and staying mentally fit can protect our brain health as we age and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. How to Get Started No matter how old you are, you can adopt these habits to live a healthier, longer life. Here are more of Topol's science-backed "lifestyle-plus" factors: Do 100 minutes a week of resistance training. Follow a Mediterranean diet. Eat 25–30 grams of fiber per day. Avoid ultraprocessed foods. Socialize with others. Don't take unnecessary supplements. Spend time outdoors in nature. TODAY's Expert Tip of the Day series is all about simple strategies to make life a little easier. Every Monday through Friday, different qualified experts share their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental wellness and more. This article was originally published on
Engadget
14-07-2025
- Engadget
Google adds featured notebooks on selected topics to NotebookLM
Google is adding what it calls "featured notebooks" to NotebookLM as a way to demo its AI-powered software and offer interactive, high-quality resources on everything from personal advice to William Shakespeare. The company tried something similar after its developer conference in May, when it created a NotebookLM notebook trained on everything that was announced at Google I/O 2025. The new featured notebooks have their own dedicated tab on the NotebookLM homepage and were created in partnership with "respected authors, researchers, publications and nonprofits around the world," Google says. Like all NotebookLM projects, you can interact with the raw sources that make up the notebook's knowledge base, ask questions about topics in a chat interface or view an AI-generated summary, audio overview or flow chart for more ways to interact with the content. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here and view the "Content and social-media partners" setting to do so. The first round of featured notebooks included a notebook on longevity advice trained on the book Super Agers , a notebook on 2025 predictions trained on The Economist' s annual "The World Ahead" report and an advice notebook trained on The Atlantic 's "How to Build a Life" column, among several other options. Your mileage may vary on how useful each featured notebook is — I found the Shakespeare notebook to be the most fun to play with — but each is a good representation of the quality and volume of material that needs to be uploaded to NotebookLM for it to work well. Google introduced NotebookLM in 2023 as an experiment in building an AI tool that relies on sources you upload, rather than whatever the company managed to scrape off the internet. The idea is that chats about topics in NotebookLM would be less prone to hallucinations than what an AI Overview in Google Search spits out. Or at the very least, it would be easier to check the AI's answers because the source material is a click away. NotebookLM became really popular when Google introduced Audio Overviews in September 2024, AI-generated podcasts about the material uploaded to a NotebookLM notebook. Since then, the company has expanded the tool at a rapid clip, introducing mobile apps and the ability to share public notebooks. Clearly, Google is committed to NotebookLM and featured notebooks are a further attempt to model how the AI-powered tool can actually be useful. Google says featured notebooks are available to people using the desktop version of NotebookLM today and more featured notebooks will be added in the future.
Economic Times
11-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
She's 95, eats ice cream, golfs weekly & lives like a 'superwoman': Her 9 habits might be the real anti-ageing secret
Synopsis Sally Froelich, a vibrant 95-year-old, participates in the SuperAgers Family Study, seeking secrets to healthy aging. While genetics play a role, her lifestyle choices, including mindful eating, regular exercise, and social connections, are key. Experts emphasize that environment and personal habits significantly impact longevity, proving that a joyful and active life contributes to a longer, healthier existence. At 95, Sally Froelich is living proof that age is just a number. From working at Macy's in the 1950s to hosting her own talk show for over 20 years, Froelich's life has been full of charm, purpose, and positivity. Now, she's part of the SuperAgers Family Study, a major research effort by the American Federation for Aging Research, trying to uncover the secrets of healthy study, highlighted by Healthline, involves 600 participants aged 95 and above, including their children and their children's spouses. According to Dr Sofiya Milman, who leads the research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the aim is to discover the genes responsible for exceptional Sally's story reminds us: healthy habits still matter. Here are her 9 tips for a long and healthy life, as featured in Healthline.'I eat three meals a day. I don't overeat,' says Froelich. A balanced, consistent diet supports energy levels, immune health, and weight never smoked and drinks alcohol only in moderation. Experts agree that avoiding smoking and heavy drinking reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. Her weight hasn't changed in 50 years. Froelich says, 'My body shape changed, but the number didn't.' Stable weight helps protect joints and reduce disease still plays golf two to three times a week and exercises six days a week. Her routine includes stretching, sit-ups, and light weight training, all great for heart and muscle bridge games to audiobooks, Froelich keeps her mind sharp. Staying mentally active helps prevent memory loss and cognitive often dines out, talks to her children, and regularly checks in with her grandchildren on Zoom. 'If I've been inside too long, I walk around the block,' she says.'Do what makes you happy. Eat ice cream and delicious chocolate,' she says. Finding joy in simple pleasures boosts emotional wellbeing.'Keep your hair and nails done,' she advises. Self-care boosts confidence and mood, which also helps reduce featured in Healthline say that a positive mindset about ageing can extend your life by up to 7.5 Milman explains that while many SuperAgers share certain genes, like those affecting HDL cholesterol or growth hormone, lifestyle still plays a role. 'They didn't eat, drink, or exercise differently than their peers, but they lived much longer,' she told Dr Rosanne Leipzig, geriatrician and author of Honest Aging, adds that genetics only explain about 20–40% of lifespan. 'The rest is shaped by environment, access to healthcare, childhood diet, and even your neighbourhood.'So, while not everyone may reach 95 like Sally Froelich, her life reminds us that joy, movement, and connection can go a long way. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
95-year-old ‘SuperAger' reveals 9 daily habits behind her long and healthy life
Source: Science Friday At 95 years old, Sally Froelich embodies a lifetime of stories, achievements, and wisdom. Her journey began in 1950 when she started working at Macy's Department Store in New York City. Her charisma and ability to connect with people eventually led her to Bloomingdale's, where she was hired to interview patrons during breakfast events; a unique role that catapulted her into the media spotlight. Her warm interactions and natural curiosity became the foundation for 'The Sally Froelich Show,' a talk show that aired for over 20 years, engaging audiences with candid conversations and relatable topics. 'The guests would talk to me, and the audience would ask questions. It was a lot of fun,' as reported by Healthline . TV host Froelich joins ' SuperAgers study ' to explore the science behind healthy aging Among the many topics she explored on her show, one series remains especially close to Froelich's heart: 'The Vital Years.' Launched when she was around 60 years old, the series focused on the challenges and joys of aging in later adulthood — including second marriages, staying active, health concerns, and grandparenting. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Today, these conversations feel more relevant than ever, as Froelich participates in an innovative research project aiming to unlock the secrets of healthy aging. Froelich is one of 600 participants in the SuperAgers Family Study, run by the American Federation for Aging Research. This study is no small effort — it seeks to enroll 10,000 individuals aged 95 and older who are in good physical and cognitive health. But it's not just about the SuperAgers themselves. The study also includes their adult children and the spouses of those children who don't have SuperAger parents. 95 year old woman shares 9 secrets to a long, healthy life Although she may have longevity genes on her side, Froelich also practices many of the healthy lifestyle habits recommended by experts: Eat mindfully 'I eat three meals a day. I don't overeat,' she says. A balanced diet helps maintain energy, weight, and immune function. Avoid harmful habits She never smoked and drinks only in moderation. Research shows smokers are three times more likely to die prematurely of cardiovascular diseases. Maintain a stable weight Froelich proudly notes that her weight hasn't changed in 50 years, even though her body shape has. This stability helps reduce strain on joints and organs. Stay physically active A lifelong sports enthusiast, she continues to golf 2–3 times a week and exercises six days a week — including stretching, sit-ups, and weight training. Engage your brain Froelich keeps her mind sharp with bridge, audiobooks, and TV. Mental stimulation supports cognitive health and memory as we age. Stay socially connected She dines out weekly, sees her children regularly, and checks in with her grandchildren via Zoom. Social interaction is linked to lower rates of depression and dementia. 'If I've been hanging around the house a lot, I just go out and walk around the block,' she adds. Find joy in the everyday Her advice? 'Do what you want to do and things that make you happy. Eat ice cream and delicious chocolate.' Practice self-care 'Keep your hair done, your nails done… and have someone tell you if anything looks off,' she says. Looking after your appearance can boost mood and confidence. Reframe how you think about aging Research shows that positive perceptions of aging can extend life by up to 7.5 years. 'It's not just about living longer — it's about living better,' says Dr. Leipzig. Why SuperAgers and their children hold the key to healthy aging 'They are just as important as the SuperAgers because we need to draw comparisons in the frequency of the genes,' said Dr. Sofiya Milman, Director of Human Longevity Studies at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The goal? To discover which genes are responsible for helping people live long, healthy, and disease-free lives. Past research suggests that certain genes may play a key role in exceptional longevity — including those that influence HDL cholesterol and growth hormone regulation. Dr. Milman and her team have found that genetics often outweigh lifestyle factors when it comes to reaching the age of 95 and beyond. 'We found that [SuperAgers] didn't differ in smoking, alcohol use, diet, or exercise compared to their peers — and yet, they lived significantly longer,' Milman explained. How healthy habits can delay age-related diseases Even if you didn't win the genetic lottery, lifestyle choices remain critically important. While only 0.1% of Americans live to age 95 or older, the rest of the population can still dramatically reduce the risk of age-related diseases by adopting healthy habits. 'It's unlikely that a healthy lifestyle alone will get you to 95,' said Milman, 'but it can delay the onset of illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. ' According to Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, geriatrician and author of Honest Aging, genetics account for about 20–40% of longevity, while the remaining 60–80% is shaped by your environment and life experiences — including your childhood nutrition, education, access to healthcare, and even the neighborhood you grew up in. She also highlights the concept of 'weathering' — the idea that chronic stress from systemic disadvantage, particularly among African American women, can impact long-term health outcomes. 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Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
A 95-year-old superager shares 9 secrets to her long life
At 95 years, Sally Froelich is a participant in the SuperAgers Family Study conducted by the American Federation for Ageing Research. This study aims to recruit 10,000 individuals aged 95 and older who are in good physical and mental health, often referred to as 'SuperAgers.' Dr Sofiya Milman, a leading expert on ageing, highlighted to Healthline the significance of this study in understanding the biological factors that contribute to longevity. The research also includes the children of SuperAgers and their spouses, who do not have SuperAger parents. Dr Milman explained in the interaction that comparing these groups is essential for identifying the frequency of certain genes that may contribute to longevity. While adopting healthy habits undoubtedly contributes to overall well-being, the extent to which these changes can extend life expectancy is a subject of ongoing research, argued Dr Shuchin Bajaj, general physician and Founder Director of Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals. He emphasises the importance of lifestyle factors in promoting health and longevity. However, he cautions that individual results may vary due to genetic predisposition, underlying health conditions, and other factors. Froelich's life offers valuable insights into the habits that have contributed to her long and healthy life: Balanced Diet: Sally emphasises the importance of eating three meals a day without overeating, which helps maintain good health. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Drinking: She believes that avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol consumption are key to a longer life. Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Sally's weight has remained stable for 50 years, though she acknowledges changes in her body over time. Regular Exercise: She maintains an active lifestyle, golfing two to three times a week, exercising daily, and incorporating strength training into her routine. Mental Engagement: Sally keeps her mind sharp by playing bridge weekly, listening to audiobooks, and watching television. Social Connections: Staying socially active is a priority for Sally, who regularly meets friends, spends time with her family, and stays connected with her grandchildren. Finding Joy: Sally advises doing things that make you happy, such as enjoying ice cream and chocolate, which adds a touch of joy to daily life. Self-Care: She emphasizes the importance of looking after one's appearance, grooming her hair and nails regularly. Positive Attitude Toward Ageing: Sally believes that having a positive perception of ageing can enhance the quality of life. Froelich's approach to life, combining genetics with healthy lifestyle choices, provides a blueprint for longevity and well-being. Early adoption of healthy habits is often encouraged as preventive measures tend to be more effective than corrective actions, Bajaj said. Nonetheless, positive changes made at any stage of life can yield benefits.
