Hey, it’s Jax Stys here, your midlife coach, content creator, and glow-up guide.
Today, I’m sitting down with you (virtually) like we’re catching up over iced coffee, to talk about a book that totally changed how I think about aging, Super Agers by Eric Topol, MD.
This isn’t your typical “eat kale and hope for the best” kind of aging book. It’s data-backed, empowering, and shockingly optimistic about what’s possible for our brains and bodies after 40, 50, 60 and beyond.
Let’s start with this quote that stopped me in my tracks:
“Aging is not a disease. It’s not inevitable decline. It’s malleable, and in many ways, optional.”
Wait, what?! Dr. Topol backs this up with scientific research showing that many age-related declines, like memory loss, muscle loss, even certain chronic diseases, can be significantly delayed or even reversed by lifestyle, mindset, and medical breakthroughs.
As a midlife woman who’s lost over 150 lbs, rebuilt her life, and started glowing up from the inside out, I felt seen. This book reminded me: we’re not getting older—we’re getting better, wiser, and more powerful.
In this book, Topol defines Super Agers as people who maintain cognitive sharpness, physical vitality, and emotional resilience well into their 70s, 80s, and 90s.
These people don’t just “age well.” They defy aging altogether.
Think:
• An 85-year-old running marathons.
• A 92-year-old writing books.
• Women in their 70s starting new businesses or traveling solo for the first time.
And the wildest part? These super agers aren’t genetic unicorns. They’re regular people doing intentional things, every day, that protect their bodies, brains, and purpose.
Topol is a world-renowned cardiologist and researcher, but he writes in a way that’s relatable—even if you haven’t taken a science class since high school. He unpacks powerful studies around:
• Neuroplasticity (yes, your brain can grow new connections in your 60s and beyond)
• Muscle preservation (resistance training and protein are your besties)
• Longevity genes (and how lifestyle activates them)
• The gut-brain connection (hello, mood and memory)
• Sleep, stress, and social connection (all critical to becoming a Super Ager)
He blends hard data with real human stories, so it never feels clinical, it feels inspiring.
Here’s the cliff-notes version of what every Super Ager has in common:
1. They Move Their Bodies, Often and Intentionally
Walking, strength training, stretching, all contribute to keeping brain and body young. Bonus? It helps prevent frailty, improves balance, and boosts mood.
2. They Fuel Their Brains with the Right Foods
Think Mediterranean-style: wild fish, olive oil, nuts, greens, and fiber. Gut health = brain health. This is anti-inflammatory living in action.
3. They Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Super Agers challenge their brains through reading, travel, learning new skills, and yes, even technology. Cognitive stimulation = brain longevity.
4. They Cultivate Deep Social Ties
Loneliness is worse for your health than obesity or smoking. Regular connection and purpose-driven relationships keep the aging brain resilient.
5. They Manage Stress and Prioritize Rest
Quality sleep, emotional regulation, meditation, and quiet reflection all play a role in keeping the brain young and healthy.
This was one of my favorite parts. He explains how brain shrinkage is not inevitable, and how aerobic exercise, omega-3s, and social interaction are scientifically shown to grow the hippocampus (the memory center of the brain) even in older adults.
Midlife glow-up tip: Your daily walk, your group chat, your salmon dinner? That’s not just self-care. That’s brain preservation.
Here are a few that had me underlining like crazy:
• “We have far more control over how we age than we’ve been led to believe.”
• “Aging is a choice, not a mandate.”
• “Brains are plastic until our last breath.”
• “Connection and purpose are the most powerful anti-aging tools we have.”
These aren’t just pretty words, they’re backed by neuroscience, lifestyle studies, and powerful personal stories.
If you’re:
• Over 40 and starting to wonder “is this just how it is now?”
• Feeling scared about memory loss, energy dips, or brain fog
• Curious how to prevent chronic illness as you age
• Ready to glow up mentally, emotionally, and physically in midlife
Then this book is for you.
It’s not doom and gloom. It’s data and hope. It’s the science behind the glow-up.
As someone on a full-body, full-life reinvention journey, Super Agers reminded me that aging is not the enemy, stagnation is.
• Upped my protein intake to support muscle and brain
• Started resistance training twice a week for longevity, not just weight loss
• Made sleep and recovery non-negotiable
• Set a goal to keep learning something new every month
• Doubled down on friendships and fun
This book isn’t just knowledge. It’s a call to action for how to live with vitality, joy, and purpose in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond.
Dr. Eric Topol doesn’t just give you facts, he gives you hope. Super Agers is your reminder that aging can be powerful, beautiful, and full of possibilities. You’re not fading, you’re just getting started.
Whether you’re on a weight loss journey, reclaiming your confidence, or simply ready to thrive in midlife, this book is like a science-backed love letter to your future self.
Read it. Share it. Live it. Glow up with it.
With so much love,
