The world might be looking on with increasing alarm at the prospect of the next American election being contested by two men – Joe Biden and Donald Trump – who will be in their 80s during the next presidential term.

Concern about age in politics fired up when US Senator Mitch McConnell, 81, recently seized up at a press conference – for the second time in about a month.

Before that, another veteran Senator, Dianne Feinstein, 90, made headlines when she returned from extended sick leave and insisted that she hadn't been away.

But McConnell and Feinstein may be exceptions. Shouldn’t we really be celebrating those people in their late 70s, 80s and beyond who continue in cognitively demanding work?

They’re known as “super-agers”, and they are great role models for seniors concerned about their own brain fitness.

Although it’s normal for brainpower to decline as we age, studies show that it’s not inevitable.

Some people remain sharp into their 80s, 90s, and beyond, defying the common assumption that cognitive decline is a natural part of ageing.

These lucky few, called cognitive super-agers, perform demonstrably better on memory tests, such as remembering past events or recalling a list of words, compared with other adults their age. 

The brains of super-agers seem to defy wear and tear better than the average brain. Researchers conducted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on 12 cognitive super-agers, 10 cognitively normal peers, and 14 cognitively normal people in the 50- to 65-year age range.

Comparisons revealed that the cingulate cortex – a brain region considered important for the integration of information related to memory, attention, cognitive control, and motivation – was thicker in super-agers than in their same-age peers.

Their cortexes showed no atrophy compared with the same brain region of people in middle-aged people. In fact, a specific region of the anterior cingulate cortex was significantly thicker in the brains of cognitive super agers than in middle-agers’ brains.

Theories about super-agers include that these people are born with larger, stronger brains, or that their brains change to compensate for the damaging effects of ageing.

Another theory is that their brains have stronger defences against the assaults of ageing.

There’s a growing body of evidence that enriching experiences, such as advanced education and mind-challenging occupations, can help brains last longer.

Other research focuses on genetic explanations. In an ongoing study of the Longevity Genes Project at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, investigators are comparing the genetic profiles of children of healthy centenarians with the genetic profiles of the children of parents who did not live as long. They are looking for genes that might support strong neural networks and offer protection against mental and physical decline.

Social factors also could play a role in healthy cognitive ageing. Super-agers have more friends and family connections – a finding that builds on past research showing links between psychological well-being and lower risk of Alzheimer’s.

Mental challenges 

If you enjoy crossword puzzles, you may want to take on acrostics (word puzzles) or mathematical games.

Try calculating your income taxes, assembling a piece of flat-packed furniture, or installing computer software.

Volunteer for a project that may seem little intimidating, such as tutoring students who are trying to master English as a second language. Pursue a leisure activity you didn't have time for earlier in life, learn a language so you can read your favourite translated book, or learn a musical instrument.

More exercise 

Consult your doctor about developing an exercise program that builds intensity and raises the blood pressure safely. Try to exercise at that level for 20 to 40 minutes, three to five days a week.

Prepare to be frustrated

Patience and perseverance are key to mastering challenges. It may take months or years of practice to gain proficiency in a new field, but the benefits can be great.

For example, the photo-editing software on your computer may seem impenetrable at first glance, but once you have learned to use all the menus and tools it offers, you’ll be able to produce professional-quality images from photos captured on your smartphone.

Although you may tire after walking a few blocks, if you gradually increase the time you walk and the distance you cover, you may be walking a couple of kilometres within months.  

Don't let age deter you 

Get to know other older people who are engaged in challenges and join them. You may find it easier to take on something new if you’re in the company of others. Find out how they do what they do. 

Related reading: NIA, ABC, Harvard