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Background: Despite expectations of deterioration in memory function with age, some older adults demonstrate superior memory performance and have been defined as SuperAgers. Method: SuperAgers were identified in a population-based prospective cohort in Australia (n = 1,679; 49.4% female; mean age = 70.6 ±1.5 years) as participants who, over a 12-year period, consistently scored at or above the median of participants 40 years younger on recall tasks. Chi-square and t tests and logistic regression models measured associations between risk factors and being a SuperAger. Results: The prevalence of SuperAgers was higher in women (8.6%) than men (5.3%). Education was associated with being a SuperAger for women (adjusted odds ratio [OR] =1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.01, 1.26]) and men (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI = [1.05, 1.40]). Other associated factors were investigative activities and alcohol consumption for women and social activities and depressive symptoms for men. Conclusion: Adults over 60 can sustain superior memory recall; however, associated factors may vary between genders.

Original publication

DOI

10.1177/0733464820902943

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Appl Gerontol

Publication Date

04/2021

Volume

40

Pages

433 - 442

Keywords

SuperAger, cognition, gender, memory, risk factors, Aged, Australia, Cognition, Female, Humans, Male, Memory, Prospective Studies, Risk Factors, Sex Factors