"Super Seniors" are considered to be old people who can still maintain fine memory and quick thinking after the baptism of time, and they are more flexible in their movements and have better memory skills than their peers. Why are "super old people" able to maintain their excellent cognitive and motor skills when they were young? Why are they healthier than their peers?
Recently, Spanish researchers conducted a study on two groups of people in their 80s. They found that the "super-olds" had much lower brain atrophy compared to the control group. This means that the brains of the "super elderly" are relatively young, and they are also more likely to maintain physical and mental health in old age. The results of this study deserve our attention.
Why do "super old people" have less brain atrophy?
The term "super old man" was first proposed by Cai Chunfa, director of the Institute of Neuroscience of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He mentioned that such old people can remember the details of their youth and can even write handwritten "notes" at that time, which ordinary old people cannot do. In addition, the "super elderly" have a lower proportion of diseases than the general population, they are more active in their minds, they walk firmly and vigorously, and they seem to be able to surpass their peers in terms of physical condition and cognitive ability.
In the face of these advantages, people can't help but ask, how did the "super old man" become it? Is it talented, born in old age as a "super old man"? Or is it the result of hard work? On this question, Spanish researchers began to search for answers.
To confirm the hypothesis that the brains of the "super-old" are younger, scientists conducted a study called the Rayo Vallecas Project, which was funded by the Queen Sofia Foundation in Spain. In the study, the scientists first screened 119 Spanish people in their 80s. Of these, 64 are considered "super old men", and their memory and motor abilities surpass their peers; The other 55 people made up the control group. Next, the researchers conducted a comprehensive health examination and brain scans of the elderly to assess their various brain structural characteristics.
The results of the study showed that the brain atrophy of the "super old man" was significantly lower than that of the control group. This means that even in their eighties, their brains are more youthful than their peers. Scientists speculate that the reason why the "super old people" have less brain atrophy is most likely because they have an excellent brain structure. This structure makes their brains more robust and slows down the rate of aging with long-term use and exercise.
In response to the differences in brain structure, scientists found that the white matter of the "super old man" was more complete than that of the control group. It is these white matter nerve fibers that provide a carrier for the transmission of information between the various parts of the brain. They have a direct impact on the efficient functioning and excellent performance of the brain.
The "super-old man" has more intact white matter in his brain and is still proficient in memory and movement
Understanding the impact of white matter structure on brain function is like understanding the impact of traffic arteries on the operation of vehicles, and the open highway to various cities is like the efficient operation of the brain, and the vehicles shuttling through it are like the various decision-making and control actions issued by the nerve cells of the brain.
The white matter of the brain, where the main traffic artery is located, occupies a large part of the brain. It is mainly composed of axons and myelin sheaths, which can quickly and accurately transmit information from neurons to other neurons. The myelin sheath, on the other hand, is wrapped around the surface of the axon, like an insulating coat, which not only protects the axon, but also accelerates the conduction of electrical signals and makes the brain more efficient.
The "super old man" has more complete white matter in the brain, which means that their brain information is transmitted more quickly and efficiently. This may explain why they still have quick memories and quick movements in old age.
To test this hypothesis, scientists conducted a detailed examination of the brain structure of these old people. They found that in the "super old man", there is a white matter morphology - an increase in flaky bundles. This form of white matter slows down brain aging and makes information more efficient.
Scientists call it "super-old" cerebral white matter with different conclusions
Although the "super elderly" has a higher proportion of flaky fascicles of white matter in the brain than ordinary people, this does not mean that the proportion of flaky fascicles of white matter in ordinary people is necessarily lower. In fact, the average person can also experience an increase in flaky bundles, and this phenomenon is especially common in young children.
The study also found that not all of the "super-olds" had white matter in their brains
The number of flaky bundles has increased. Conversely, even if some people do well in white matter in the brain, they don't reach the level of "super old people." In other words, even though the increase in the fascicles of white matter in the brain is an important factor in the improvement of brain function in the "super elderly", it is not a characteristic of all "super old people".
So, why is the white matter of the brain of the "super old man" more complete? Experts believe that a person is influenced by a variety of factors throughout his life, which determine the structure and function of his brain. These factors include: genetics, acquired training, long-term study and work, and the influence of people around you.
But whatever the reason, the people who can become "super old people" are undoubtedly people with better brain structure and function. If we can use a method or means to make all people's brains more functional, then we are more likely to become "super old" in old age.
What kind of person is likely to be a "super-old"?
From this study, we can know that the brain and cognitive function of the "super elderly" are not only related to genetics, but also related to acquired training, long-term study and work, and the influence of people around them. Therefore, as long as we work these aspects, it is possible to train a brain that will last forever.
So, how should we choose the ways and means in order to become a "super old man"? Experts believe that whether it is studying, working, exercising, or playing, sleeping, etc., it should be moderately balanced.
In terms of learning, research has shown that long-term learning and accepting challenges can promote a shift in brain structure and function. Learning new knowledge and skills can increase the connections between brain cells, improving the brain's flexibility and adaptability. Therefore, we should be lifelong learners, constantly trying new things, and keeping our brains in a state of rapid operation.
In terms of work, some challenging, creative work can help the brain process complex information and problems, thereby improving the cognitive function of the brain. At the same time, proper exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also delay the aging of the brain and body.
In general, after years of research, scientists have found that we can exercise our brains and maintain physical and mental health through a variety of means and methods, so as to maintain excellent cognitive and practical motor abilities in old age. Although no one can guarantee that we will become a "super old man", as long as we persevere and believe in the future, we can all live our own wonderful lives.