Lajuana Weathers, 89, is part of a select group known as superagers—people over 80 whose memory and cognitive performance match those of individuals decades younger. She is enrolled in the SuperAging Research Initiative at the University of Chicago, which studies around 400 such individuals across North America. Weathers starts each day with celery juice, meditates, and focuses on her physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. 'I look at my life as a holistic entity,' she says.
To qualify as a superager, participants must be over 80 and score at least as well as the average 50- to 60-year-old on memory tests. The enrolment process includes cognitive assessments, MRI brain scans, blood tests, and detailed family history. Dr Emily Rogalski, director of the initiative, explains: 'We integrate data across brain structure, molecular measures, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors to understand exceptional cognitive ageing.'
The goal is to translate findings to benefit the general population. 'If this rare population has something in common, it could be translated to be beneficial,' Rogalski says. Currently, less than 10% of those who think they are superagers meet the strict criteria.
Weathers embodies positivity: 'I concentrate on how good it is to be alive. I have a “count my blessings” attitude.' She takes only one blood pressure pill and hopes to phase it out. She enjoys choral music, dresses to please herself, and constantly seeks self-improvement. 'All the clutter of raising children is out and I can concentrate on the wellness of me,' she adds.
