Exercise: The Key to “Superaging”

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ByCrossFit April 18, 2021

Lisa Feldman Barrett is a distinguished professor of psychology at Northeastern University and author of the recently published “How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain.” In this video, the CrossFit Journal’s Andréa Maria Cecil sits down with Barrett to discuss the neuroscience behind “superaging” and what role exercise plays.

A superager, Barrett explains, is someone older than 60 who “has a memory that functions indistinguishably from (that of) a 25-year-old.”

The parts of the brain that regulate memories also contribute to emotional and physical health, Barrett says. The best thing you can do to improve your emotional health, she suggests, is improve your physical health: get enough sleep, exercise vigorously and eat well.

And, she notes, humans are social creatures, so working out in a group setting can also encourage healthy behavior. We help regulate each other’s nervous systems, Barrett explains, so exercising together can motivate people to make better choices.


Originally published – May 2017

Comments on Exercise: The Key to “Superaging”

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Catherine Lucas-Maurer
April 19th, 2021 at 3:32 am
Commented on: Exercise: The Key to “Superaging”

At 62 ... I credit being involved with Crossfit to being able to beat COVID the way I did. Crossfit is keeping me not only physically healthy but mentally healthy for sure!

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Julie Hansen
April 19th, 2021 at 1:23 am
Commented on: Exercise: The Key to “Superaging”

Pushing 60 myself and for me the secret to my (almost) endless energy is CrossFit!

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Daniel Whittaker
April 19th, 2021 at 1:08 am
Commented on: Exercise: The Key to “Superaging”

I am an academic researcher studying and teaching about the frontiers of aging.

Exercise is not "THE" key, rather it is "ONE" key.

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Nicoletta Neis
April 19th, 2021 at 3:43 am

What is the key then?

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CJ Johnson
April 19th, 2021 at 4:19 am

That’s what the author already said.

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Todd Morrison
April 19th, 2021 at 12:52 pm

She says, “The best thing you can do to improve your emotional health, she suggests, is improve your physical health: get enough sleep, exercise vigorously and eat well.”

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