Have you heard about the SuperAgers Family Study? It aims to identify the inherited and natural factors that protect against human aging and related diseases.  The data from this study will be used to create a large biorepository for future researchers about healthy aging.

According to the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), SuperAgers, or individuals age 95 and older, are a promising, living source of scientific knowledge about health longevity. Their experience and biology offer unique insights into understanding the correlation between age-related diseases and living an exceptionally long, healthy life. By studying individuals age 95 and older, the SuperAgers Initiative builds on a foundation of research into the biology of aging and promising therapeutics to extend years of health.

The researchers behind the study include Dr. Sofiya Milman and Dr. Nir Barzilai. Dr. Milman, Principal Investigator, is the Professor of Human Longevity Studies at the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Barzilai, Co-Investigator, is Scientific Director of AFAR and a chaired Professor of Medicine and Genetics.

The SuperAgers Family Study benefits participants by allowing them to learn more about their own biology as well as the ways in which their genetic traits have sustained their exceptional longevity. Research from this study will inform new treatments and approaches to healthy aging for generations to come. Participants will also have the opportunity to receive information on their ancestry. The study is currently enrolling:

• Individuals aged 95 years or older.
• Individuals whose parents are 95 years or older, who are currently alive and willing to participate in the study.
• Individuals whose parents-in-law are 95 years or older, who are currently alive and willing to participate in the study.

 Current probability forecasts indicate that nonsmoking women in excellent health have a 1 in 3 chance of living to age 95 or beyond, and men have a 1 in 5 chance of living to age 95 or beyond. The population of individuals 95 and older grew by 48.6 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Boomers already make up a substantial portion of the U.S. population. According to the U.S. Census, in 2020, the 65-74 age group: 

• Was the largest of the older age groups with 33.1 million people, representing over half of the 65-and-over population.
• Represented 1 in 10 Americans in 2020.
• Experienced the largest growth of any older age group the previous decade. Its numbers grew by 11.4 million or 52.5%, increasing from 21.7 mil­lion in 2010 to 33.1 million in 2020.

How many Boomers will be "SuperAgers"? It's an intriguing question to ponder.

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