27. Inside The Science And Soul Of Superagers with Dr. Angela Roberts

Send us Fan MailWhat does it actually look like to age with a sharp, resilient, and deeply connected mind? Dr. Angela Roberts — a dementia researcher leading Canada's first Super Ager cohort joins us to explore what science is learning from people in their 80s and 90s who maintain exceptional cognitive abilities. Rather than focusing on what goes wrong, her team studies what goes right.About Dr. Angela Roberts Dr. Roberts leads Canada's Super Aging Research Program, part of a North American initiative anchored at the University of Chicago. She is also developing CareFit, a wellness program for dementia caregivers inspired by Super Ager research.What Is a Super Ager? Someone 80+ whose memory rivals that of people in their 50s and 60s — without being physically exceptional. Their brains simply don't show the expected shrinkage and cortical thinning for their age."They're not studying ahead of time. Their brains actually are different."What Shapes a Super Ager?Physical activity — ~40 minutes daily of moderate to vigorous exercise, often hobby-drivenSleep quality — consistent, uninterrupted sleep is one of the strongest distinguishing traitsDepth of social connection — it's not the size of the circle, it's the depth of the relationshipsIntergenerational friendships — exposure to new perspectives keeps Super Agers engagedResilience — defined not by an easy life, but by how they move through hardshipPractical Takeaways Move your body, prioritize sleep, invest in deep relationships, pursue meaningful hobbies, seek intergenerational connection, and cultivate a resilient, positive mindset.Links & ResourcesSuper Aging Research Program — Western UniversityCareFit — NeuroConnect, Western Institute for NeuroscienceListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podcast IndexConnect with Dr. Angela Roberts on Linked InThank you for listening!Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast?  Email:  [email protected] use the "Send us Fan Mail" link at the top of the Episode Description to text the show!Interested in learning more?  Check out my Etsy ShopVisit my YouTube channel or websiteIntro and outro music with thanks:  Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.