| Issue #24 I February 10, 2025 Photography by Shane Coker Welcome to The Mindset by Super Age. The biggest shift we can make as we get older is expanding what we think is possible. Learning doesn’t stop at some arbitrary age; if anything, it speeds up. Lately, I’ve been taking on new challenges—public speaking, deep research, pushing the edges of what I thought I knew. Growth isn’t a phase; it’s a way of being. The people who stay sharp, engaged, and full of energy are the ones who remain curious and open. Physical strength works the same way. The way I move has evolved—maybe I’m not sprinting like I used to, but I’m lifting heavier than ever. Strength isn’t just about fitness; it’s about adaptation. Listening to our bodies, making adjustments, staying in motion—this is how we build resilience. And in that process, something else happens: clarity. The distractions fade, and we show up—fully present for the people who matter, with a sharper mind and greater capacity. There was a time when building something like Super Age felt like a reach. Now, I’m thinking bigger. That’s what longevity is really about—not playing small, but stretching toward what’s next. We don’t shrink with age; we expand. We can do this. Onwards and upward! Super Age Selects: A Partner Spotlight Refill with confidence—from the creator of The Laundress. Skip single-use plastics and enjoy convenient refills. Bring your bottles, top up with everyday essentials, home cleaning, and laundry products, and start earning rewards today. Sitting Too Long? Here’s How to Keep Your Heart Strong Even if you’re nailing your workouts, long stretches of sitting can still stall your progress. A new study in The Journal of Applied Physiology reveals a simple fix: break up your sitting time with short movement bursts—especially if you're already exercising. Researchers suggest that you should combine structured HIIT workouts with light movement breaks (think: 2.5 minutes of walking or stretching every hour). This significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function (a key marker of heart health)—more than just exercising or moving alone. Moving more throughout the day protects your gains and your heart. Take Action:Stuck at a desk or on a plane? Stand up and move for 2.5 minutes every hour—a quick stretch, a few air squats, or a short walk does the trick. Stack the benefits: Move all day + train hard = the best formula for heart health and longevity. HIIT workouts deliver powerful cardiovascular benefits, but they work even better when you move consistently throughout the day. Set a timer. A simple reminder to stand, stretch, or pace can help break up those long, heart-damaging sedentary spells.
You can’t outwork sitting all day—but you can outsmart it. Stack your training with consistent movement to stay strong, energized, and heart-healthy no matter how busy life gets. What to Eat to Keep Your Cells Young Ever heard of selenoproteins? They're powerful antioxidant enzymes that protect your cells from the kinds of damage that speed up aging: oxidative stress and inflammation. New research from Osaka University reveals that selenoproteins keep your immune system strong and your blood circulating and making healthy cells. Poor selenoprotein synthesis can lead to harmful fat accumulation, stem cell damage, and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. With 25 different selenoproteins at work in your body, their impact spans immune function, metabolism, brain health, thyroid regulation, and cardiovascular protection. In other words: selenoproteins are your body’s unsung heroes, sweeping away harmful oxidative stress before it can age your cells. They need the nutrient selenium to work properly, so fuel up and help these powerhouse enzymes keep your cells younger, longer. How to Get More Selenium in Your Diet Your body can’t make selenium, so you need to get it from food. Load up on: ✅ Brazil nuts (just 2 a day meets your daily needs!) ✅ Sardines, salmon, and tuna ✅ Eggs ✅ Shiitake mushrooms ✅ Sunflower seeds & whole grains If you want to keep your cells resilient and thriving, selenium is non-negotiable. Pair selenium-rich foods with healthy fats (like olive oil or avocado) to maximize absorption. Your Brain is Absorbing Plastic—Here’s What That Means Shocking new research from the University of New Mexico reveals that microplastic levels in human brain tissue have surged by 50% in less than a decade. Even more concerning? People with dementia had up to 10 times more plastic in their brains than those without. Scientists are still unraveling the full impact, but one thing is clear: plastic is making its way into our most vital organs. Where’s it coming from? Researchers found that plastic particles in the brain primarily come from water bottles, food packaging, and contaminated meat and fish. Once ingested, these microscopic fragments—especially polyethylene, a common plastic—embed in fatty tissues, including nerve-protecting sheaths. What You Can Do: While there’s no widely available test for plastic levels in human tissues, we know that everyone is exposed, and levels are rising.💧 Filter your water. A high-quality reverse osmosis or carbon block filter can reduce plastic particles in drinking water. 🥩 Rethink your protein sources. Some studies suggest that commercial meat and fish may concentrate microplastics through contaminated feed and water. Opt for grass-fed, pasture-raised, or plant-based alternatives when possible. 🥡 Ditch plastic food containers. Store food in glass or stainless steel, and never microwave plastic—heat increases plastic leaching. ☕ Use refillable coffee mugs: Any paper coffee cup is lined with plastic. Putting hot liquid into one is a recipe for bringing plastic into your body. 🛍️ Choose plastic-free packaging. Swap bottled water for a reusable glass or stainless-steel bottle, and look for brands that use biodegradable or minimal plastic packaging. 🥗 Eat more whole foods. Ultra-processed foods often contain microplastics from production and packaging. Stick to fresh, unprocessed ingredients when you can. The Bottom Line: Plastic is invading our bodies—but smart choices can limit exposure and protect your brain for the long haul. The Best Indoor Plants For Your Health Bringing nature indoors isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a science-backed way to boost mental well-being, creativity, and even air quality. A study in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology found that people working in rooms with plants performed better on creative tasks and felt more focused and relaxed compared to those in plant-free spaces. Another study showed that indoor greenery reduces psychological and physiological stress by calming the autonomic nervous system. Even NASA weighed in on the power of plants, publishing a famous study in 1989 showing that certain houseplants can filter volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air. While newer research suggests you’d need a jungle’s worth of plants to truly purify a room, their psychological benefits are undisputed. Want an easy way to create a healthier, more inspiring space? Add these low-maintenance, air-boosting beauties to your home: 🌿 Peace Lily – Elegant white blooms that thrive in low-light spaces. 🍃 Golden Pothos – A lush, trailing vine that flourishes with minimal care. 🪴 Snake Plant – Striking, upright foliage that survives even the most forgetful plant parents. A few well-placed plants can do more than decorate your home—they can enhance your focus, creativity, and overall well-being. Ready to take control of your health? About 80% of longevity comes down to daily choices. See how your habits stack up—and get personalized insights for a longer, healthier life. Take the Super Age Longevity Quiz. Photography by Naoshima Ryokan Roka Tucked away on Japan’s famed art island, Naoshima Ryokan Roka is a minimalist masterpiece blending contemporary design with traditional Japanese hospitality. Eleven serene suites invite deep relaxation amid the island’s ethereal beauty. Savor kaiseki cuisine (a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner that's considered the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine), then explore world-renowned art museums just steps away. This is elevated tranquility—for those who know that luxury is an experience, not just a place. Photography by Katie Lemons Brazil Nut Pesto Salmon: This omega-3-rich salmon recipe from functional nutrition specialist Katie Lemons, PA-C, MS, CNS, meets a selenium-packed Brazil nut pesto for a dish that fuels brain health and longevity. A mixture of Brazil nuts, basil, lemon, and olive oil, the pesto delivers bold flavor and antioxidant power. Coat wild-caught salmon with the pesto, bake until flaky, and serve with roasted veggies or greens. Nutrient-dense, delicious, and done in under 30 minutes. Try it! Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don’t Manage You by Ethan Kross. Think you always have to address your emotions? Think again. In Shift, Kross unpacks the science of emotional regulation, showing how small mental shifts allow us to experience our emotions, learn from them, and, when needed, move easily from one emotional state into another. Kross offers seven actionable strategies to navigate stress, break free from emotional spirals, and cultivate lasting well-being. A must-read for anyone ready to take charge of their inner world. We want to hear from you! How can we help you Super Age? Reply to this email and tell us what you want to read about. This issue of Super Age was written, edited, and produced by David Stewart and Heather Hurlock. |
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