Sally Froelich, a 95-year-old SuperAger, has lived a long and healthy life by following a few simple lifestyle habits. She began her career in the 1950s at Macy’s Department store in New York City and eventually landed a role at Bloomingdale’s, where she hosted “The Sally Froelich Show” for over 20 years. Her interactions with guests and audience members on the show led to discussions about aging and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Today, Froelich is one of 600 people participating in the SuperAgers Family Study conducted by the American Federation for Aging Research. This study aims to recruit 10,000 SuperAgers, defined as individuals 95 and older who are in good physical and mental health. The study also enrolls the SuperAgers’ adult children and their spouses to compare the frequency of genes that may contribute to longevity.
Dr. Sofiya Milman, a national expert on aging and Director of Human Longevity Studies at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, leads the study. She believes that genetics play a significant role in determining who becomes a SuperAger, with genes regulating HDL cholesterol and growth hormones being implicated in longevity. However, lifestyle habits can also play a role in staving off age-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
While genetics may account for 20 to 40% of longevity, lifestyle choices can influence the remaining 60 to 80%. Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, a geriatrician at Mount Sinai, emphasizes the importance of making healthy choices to promote longevity. Froelich, for example, practices habits such as eating a balanced diet, not smoking or drinking excessively, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, using her brain, staying socially connected, finding joy, taking care of herself, and thinking positively about aging.
The SuperAgers Family Study aims to uncover the genetic factors that contribute to longevity, with the hope of developing medications that can mimic the role of genes possessed by SuperAgers. By enrolling in the study, individuals can contribute to the research and potentially help others live longer, healthier lives.
In conclusion, while not everyone may have the genetic makeup to become a SuperAger, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can improve overall health and quality of life. SuperAgers like Sally Froelich give hope for discovering the secrets to aging well and living a long and fulfilling life. To learn more about the SuperAgers Family Study and enroll, visit the organization’s website.