What's a Super-Ager?

A Super-Ager is over 80 years old who exhibits cognitive function that is comparable to a middle-aged person (50-60).

At Designs for Strong Minds, we're committed to helping you achieve Super-Ager status. Our brain testing and training programs go beyond just assessing where you are today—they help you to develop and strengthen your brain's potential, unlocking the cognitive resilience of a Super-Ager.

Striving to become a Super-Ager is about more than defying age—it's about embracing a sharper mind, a healthier brain, and a richer life.

With research lighting the way and resources like Designs for Strong Minds to support you, Super Aging is an achievable goal.

Active senior couple enjoying life

Habits of Super-Agers

Habits of Super-Agers

1. Sleep

7-9 Hours of good quality sleep

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Sleep Video 1 Sleep Habits for Super-Agers Sleep Video 2 The Sleep Deprived Brain's Influence on Aging

2. Stress Management

Reducing stress through mindful meditation or prayer
Practice mindful meditation 2 minutes - 5 times a day or 20-30 minutes daily

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Mental Molecules of Emotion - Candace Pert Stress How Meditation Can Reshape Our Brains: Sara Lazar Guided Body Scan Meditation - Jon Kabat Zinn Stress Short Mindful Breathing Exercise with Dr. Lilian Cheung Stress Mindfulness Bell Meditation by Carl Jerome - an alternative to mindful breathing meditation

3. Stay Physically Active

150 minutes per week of mild to moderate exercise to stimulate blood flow to the brain.

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Exercise Video 1 Low-Impact Exercise

4. Maintain Strong Social Connections

Positive social interaction on all levels — family, friends, and casual interactions with strangers.

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Social Video 1 Social Connection and Health
Brain Challenge Icon

5. Challenge Mental Abilities

Engage in new learning activities to stimulate the brain

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Video 1 Dr. Donalee Markus - Designs For Strong Minds Video 2 Dr. Lara Boyd - Neuroscientist Substantiates Brain Plasticity

More videos resources on Designs For Strong Minds

M³ - Markus Memory Monitor

Test and Build your visual memory skills

  • Strengthen Short Term Memory
  • Process and use new information

M³ is an easy-to-use brain training tool that helps keep your mind sharp and your thinking quick — just like when you were younger.

When you play, you'll get a score that shows how you're doing. If your score is on the lower side (around 50–60), it's a sign your brain may need some extra practice. But even if you're scoring 90 or higher, M³ is still great for keeping your mind in shape. Think of it like exercise for your brain — the more regularly you do it, the stronger you stay.

The best part? As you rebuild these mental skills, they start to work automatically in the back-waters of your mind — you don't have to consciously think about it. Everyday activities, tasks and habits are easier and smoother when you train with M³.

Take The 3 Minute Test

Rationale for the creation of M³

Puzzles With Purpose

Digital Brain Games by Dr. Donalee Markus

Our digital brain games target specific parts of the brain to strengthen weaknesses and create new brain pathways – think of it as cross-training so that you use all of your brain power.

Designs for Strong Minds offers 13 digital games, with 4-5 levels of unlimited challenges, that build the skills used by Super-Agers.

View Digital Brain Games
Collection of brain puzzles and games

Designs For Strong Minds - DSM

Dr. Donalee Markus specializes in the Clinical Application of Neuroscience to maximize intelligence, catalyze creativity and enhance brain plasticity.

Visit Designs For Strong Minds to view paper and pencil exercises and digital brain games.

Visit DSM

Institutional Perspectives on Super Aging

What we can learn from SuperAgers

Tamar D. Gefen, PhD - Northwestern University

Neurobiological Features of SuperAgers

Emily Rogalski, PhD - University of Chicago