Sally Froelich, a remarkable 95-year-old SuperAger, attributes her long and healthy life to simple lifestyle habits. As a participant in the American Federation for Aging Research’s study, she offers valuable insights into the secrets of longevity.
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Sally Froelich’s Journey
In 1950, Sally Froelich began her career at Macy’s Department Store in New York City. She later moved to Bloomingdale’s, where her role interviewing customers during morning breakfasts led to the creation of “The Sally Froelich Show.” The show, which aired for over 20 years, featured guests and audience interactions, making it a beloved program.
Froelich recalls a series called “The Vital Years,” where she discussed the aging process with various experts. This series is particularly meaningful to her now, as she is one of 600 participants in the SuperAgers Family Study.
The SuperAgers Family Study
The study, conducted by the American Federation for Aging Research, aims to recruit 10,000 SuperAgers—defined as people aged 95 and older who are in good physical and mental health. The study also enrolls the adult children and spouses of these SuperAgers to compare their genetic frequencies.
Dr. Sofiya Milman, a national expert on aging and the Director of Human Longevity Studies at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, explains that the study’s ultimate goal is to understand the biology behind long and healthy lives. By identifying longevity-related genes, researchers hope to develop medications that mimic these genes, enabling others to live healthier lives.
Genetics vs. Lifestyle in Longevity
Dr. Milman emphasizes the significant role of genetics in achieving SuperAger status. Comparing the lifestyles of SuperAgers with those of their generational peers revealed minimal lifestyle differences. Factors such as smoking, alcohol use, diet, and exercise showed no substantial variation, yet only a small group reached SuperAger status.
Despite the strong genetic influence, lifestyle habits still play a crucial role for most of the population. Only about 0.1% of people live to be 95 or older, primarily due to genetics. For the remaining 99.9%, healthy habits can delay age-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Importance of Lifestyle Habits
Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, a geriatrician at Mount Sinai and author of “Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life,” explains that 20 to 40% of longevity is due to genetics. In comparison, 60 to 80% depends on life circumstances and choices. Factors such as education, childhood nutrition, and access to medical care significantly impact health and longevity.
Sally Froelich’s Lifestyle Secrets
Sally Froelich practices several lifestyle habits that have contributed to her long and healthy life:
Eat a Balanced Diet
Froelich emphasizes the importance of eating three balanced meals a day without overeating.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Drinking
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption significantly increase the risk of premature death. Froelich advises avoiding these habits.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Froelich’s weight has remained stable for 50 years. She acknowledges that her body has changed but maintains a healthy weight through balanced eating.
Exercise Regularly
Froelich is an avid sports enthusiast who plays golf two to three times a week and exercises six days a week. Her routine includes daily stretches, 80 sit-ups, and weight lifting.
Keep Your Brain Active
Froelich keeps her mind sharp by playing bridge, listening to audiobooks, and watching television. Mental stimulation is a crucial aspect of her routine.
Stay Socially Connected
Staying socially connected is vital for mental and emotional health. Froelich meets friends for lunch and dinner, spends time with her children, and connects with her grandchildren via Zoom.
Find Joy in Life
Froelich believes in doing activities that bring happiness. She enjoys eating ice cream and delicious chocolate, embracing the joys of life.
Take Care of Your Appearance
Maintaining personal grooming is important to Froelich. She keeps her hair and nails done and ensures she looks nice.
Positive Perception of Aging
Froelich views aging positively, which she believes contributes to a better quality of life. A positive attitude towards aging can enhance overall well-being.
The Bottom Line
While not everyone may have the genes to become a SuperAger, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly improve the quality of life as one age. Dr. Milman and her team hope that research into SuperAgers will unlock the secrets to aging well, benefiting everyone, even those without longevity genes.
Living to be a SuperAger like Sally Froelich may be rare, but her lifestyle practices offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their health and longevity. Embracing healthy habits, staying socially connected, and maintaining a positive outlook on aging can make a significant difference.
For those interested in contributing to aging research, the SuperAgers Family Study offers an opportunity to participate and help uncover the secrets of living a long, healthy life. Visit the organization’s website to enroll in the study and become part of this groundbreaking research.
