Featured Post from Retire with Equity

What "Super Agers" Are Teaching Us About Growing Older

Feb 17, 2026

8 min

Sue Pimento

When I think about aging well, I don't see a number on a birthday cake. I see capacity.

The ability to think clearly. To move with confidence. To stay curious. To laugh easily. To remember where I put my keys. (Okay, that last one is still aspirational.)


That's why I teach 4 fitness classes a week and pay close attention to how I fuel my body. Not because I'm chasing youth, but because I've learned, both personally and professionally, that the way we move, eat, sleep, and cope influences how we feel... and how we show up for the people we care about.


I don't want to live forever. I just want to live well while I'm here.

Like many Boomers, I've been interested in the growing research on longevity. And let's be honest: Boomers have never been good at accepting "no" for an answer. Why would we start now, just because it's mortality asking?


We're the generation that refused to compromise.

Retirement? Optional.

Slowing down? Negotiable.

Death? We'd like to speak to the manager.


This leads us to a fascinating group of scientists known as "Super Agers."


Who Are Super Agers, Really?


In research terms, Super Agers are adults over 80 whose cognitive abilities, especially memory, perform at levels expected of people in their 50s or 60s (Rogalski et al., 2013).


But here's what I love most: they aren't superhuman.


They're not top athletes. They're not biohackers living on kale foam and cold plunges at dawn. (Though if that's your thing, carry on.).  They're everyday people who never disconnected from life.


A striking Canadian example is Morry Kernerman, a Toronto violinist who kept on learning, hiking, and performing well into the ripe age of 101. His story embodies the spirit of Super Aging: it's not about dodging age, it's about refusing to stop living.


In a CBC interview, Maury Kernerman doesn't sound like someone "trying to live longer." He talks like someone who's still interested in living, fascinated by the world, hungry for learning, and unwilling to stand still just because he might do something imperfectly.


He also admits something that matters to a lot of readers: he wasn't always an exercise person.

He started taking it seriously later in life and describes it as a "rear guard action" that hasn't stopped aging, but has helped him keep his capacity.


One of the most poignant lessons: when we're afraid of doing the wrong thing, afraid of failing or being embarrassed, we stop.  And standing still is what really costs us. Haven't you heard? Sitting is the new Smoking!!



What the Science Is Showing Us


Canadian and U.S. researchers, at Western University and Northwestern University, are discovering something significant.


Not a pill. Not a quick fix.

A system.


Angela Roberts (Western University) explained that the Canadian arm of the research isn't relying only on lab snapshots. Participants are sent home with wearable devices so researchers can monitor real-world activity patterns continuously (24 hours a day) over multi-week periods (CBC News, 2024 - https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/superager-centenarians-brain-second-opinion-9.7049411).


That design matters because it turns "healthy aging" from a vague concept into measurable behaviours: how much movement you get, how intense it is, how consistent it is, and how it fits into the rhythm of normal life.


Super Agers typically stay active, remain mentally sharp, maintain close relationships, handle stress effectively, sleep well, and keep a generally positive attitude (Rogalski et al., 2013 - https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_00300; Sun et al., 2016 - https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1492-16.2016)


Their brains display thicker cortical areas linked to attention and memory, experience slower atrophy rates, have fewer Alzheimer's markers, and show stronger neuronal connections (Gefen et al., 2015 - https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2998-14.2015; Harrison et al., 2012 - https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355617712000847)


A Data Point Worth Remembering When It Comes to Longevity


From the wearables, the research study observed that many 80-year-olds in the study, both "super agers" and the control group, were averaging about 25 to 30 minutes of exercise a day (roughly aligned with Canadian movement guidelines).


The difference wasn't that super agers moved a little more.  The study showed that they got about 30% more of the kind of movement that raises heart rate, what researchers call moderate-to-vigorous physical activity


In plain language: it's not just steps. It's getting your engine up into that slightly breathy zone on purpose, most days.


There's no single longevity switch. It's a belt-and-suspenders approach: multiple protective habits working together over decades.



Let's Talk About Weight (Without Losing Our Minds)


People often ask: Should Super Agers be skinny? Or a little plump?

The research answer is surprisingly dull (and comforting): Neither.

Super Agers come in all sizes. There is no evidence that they share a specific body weight or BMI. What matters much more than the scale is stability, strength, and body composition (Stenholm et al., 2008). 


Obesity Shows Up Consistently in the Research


Midlife obesity is associated with an increased risk of dementia later in life. Several large studies indicate that obesity (BMI ≥30) during midlife raises dementia risk by 33 to 91% compared to individuals of normal weight (Kivipelto et al., 2005; Qizilbash et al., 2015) 


However, in older age, unintentional weight loss often signals frailty or illness. Weight loss in later life is linked to faster cognitive decline and higher risk of death (Diehr et al., 2008) 


Being underweight increases the risk of death. Studies consistently indicate that underweight older adults (BMI <20) have 2 to 3 times the all-cause mortality risk compared to those with a normal weight, with one study reporting a 34% higher risk of dementia (Diehr et al., 2008).


A slightly higher BMI in later life may actually be protective, especially if muscle mass is maintained. The "obesity paradox" demonstrates that overweight and mild obesity in older adults (ages 65+) are often linked to a lower risk of mortality, particularly from non-cardiovascular diseases (Natale et al., 2023).


So, the prescription is clear: avoid extremes.


Not so skinny you could use a Cheerio as a hula hoop, and not so plump that tying your shoes feels like a full-contact sport.


Here's What Truly Matters: Muscle Mass

Strength defends the brain, maintains balance, boosts metabolism, and offers resilience during illness or stress (Peterson & Gordon, 2011)


"Skinny-fat", low muscle, higher fat, is actually worse for aging than carrying a bit more weight with muscle beneath (Prado et al., 2012).


Super Aging isn't about shrinking yourself. It's about supporting the structure you live in.


Sleep: The Quiet Superpower

If movement is the main act, sleep is the stage crew ensuring the entire show runs smoothly.

Sleep isn't just one thing. It's a cycle (Walker, 2017). 


The Stages of Sleep (a quick, non-boring tour)


Light sleep: The warm-up. Easy to wake from. Necessary, but not enough by itself.

Deep sleep: The body's main repair mode. This is where physical repair occurs: muscle recovery, immune support, hormone regulation (Scullin & Bliwise, 2015) (Walker, 2017).


REM sleep: The brain's spa. Memory consolidation, emotional regulation, creativity, and learning all occur here (Scullin & Bliwise, 2015) (Walker, 2017).


Missing deep sleep leaves your body feeling exhausted. Missing REM causes your brain to become fragile and foggy (Mander et al., 2017).


Super Agers tend to guard their sleep, though not perfectly, deliberately (Mander et al., 2016). Consistent bedtimes, morning sunlight, daily activity, and relaxing evenings appear repeatedly.


For some people, slow-release melatonin or magnesium can help improve sleep maintenance (Ferracioli-Oda et al., 2013). However, the greatest benefits often come from simple routines: consistency, darkness, cooler rooms, and avoiding phone use at 10 p.m.


Sleep isn't a luxury. It's essential brain maintenance (Mander et al., 2017).


Stress: The Real Villain


Chronic stress is like kryptonite for cognitive health (McEwen & Sapolsky, 1995).


The main source of stress is not accepting what is.

We argue with reality, and we lose every time.

We revisit conversations. We resist change. We attempt to control others.


Super Agers appear more accepting, not resignation, but realism (Sun et al., 2016) 


Here are some practical strategies to consider:


Let them. (Thank you, Mel Robbins.) People will be people. You don't need to manage them.

Save your energy for what truly matters. And remember: what people think of you... is none of your business.


Calm isn't passive. Calm is protective.

Gratitude also plays a role. Many Super Agers exhibit a distinct emotional tone: more grateful, less gripeful (Hill & Allemand, 2011)


Life wasn't simpler; they simply didn't let bitterness steer the way.


Relationships and Quality of Life: The Real Gold Standard


Super Agers don't have more friends; they have deeper ones.

Strong relationships are linked to better emotional regulation and preserved brain regions. (Cacioppo & Cacioppo, 2014) (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010) 


And this isn't about extending life.


It's about quality of life: cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being.


Because no one wants a farewell-to-life party where nobody shows up because you've been miserable, bitter, or exhausting to be around (thank you, BR).


Strong body. Clear mind. Warm relationships. A sense of humour that endures gravity.

That's the win.


3 Practical Takeaways to Steal this Week



If you want the super-ager approach without turning your life into a science experiment, here are three low-drama moves:


Add intensity, not just activity. Keep your regular walk, but pick one segment to walk faster, take a hill, or add short brisk bursts. Your heart rate is the clue.


Keep a learning thread running. Music, audiobooks, a class, a museum habit, a book club, anything that keeps your mind taxed in a good way and makes you feel curious again.


Make "don't stand still" a rule. If you're avoiding something because you might look silly (a dance class, a new hobby, a new friend group), that's exactly the place to lean in, gently, but on purpose.


Super Agers aren't chasing youth. (No one needs to see me in low-rise jeans again.)

They're cultivating engagement. (Do you want to dance?) They move. They learn. They sleep well. They stay positive. They accept what is. They remain connected.

They rely on the belt and suspenders.


And most importantly, they don't wait for permission to live life to the fullest at any age.


Yes, biology will win eventually. None of us gets out of this alive.


But the real victory isn't in defeating what we can't control. It's in mastering what we can, for as long as we can, and living fully right up until biology takes its final bow.


Don't Retire...ReWire!

Sue



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Sue Pimento

Sue Pimento

Founder | CEO

Focused on financial literacy and retirement strategies. Authoring new book on home equity strategies to help seniors find financial freedom

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6 min

Baby, It's Cold Outside… And That's No Joke for Seniors

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Be cool—and stay warm out there, friends. Sue Don’t Retire… Rewire! What are your best winter safety tips? Share them—because staying warm is better when we do it together. Want more of this? Subscribe for weekly doses of retirement reality—no golf-cart clichés, no sunset stock photos, just straight talk about staying Hip, Fit & Financially Free.

6 min

CPP, OAS, and the Retirement Timing Tango — The Most Important Dance of Your Life

You’ve been contributing to it your whole life—now let’s get it right. Every retiree dreams of mastering one crucial dance: the Retirement Timing Tango. And here’s the truth—next to good health, guaranteed, predictable income (GPI) sits at the top of every retiree’s wish list, mind list, and need list. Enough income opens the door to independence, autonomy, dignity, and the most sought-after prize of all: aging in place. Not enough income? That will rob you of sleep and enjoyment, creating a non-stop loop of 3 a.m. worry sessions that no melatonin can fix. A badge of a successful retirement starts with enough income to meet all your obligations. This matters far more than leaving an inheritance or making sure your ungrateful nephew gets the cottage. But here’s the thing about this particular tango: you need proper footwear. Orthopedic dance shoes, folks. Not slippers. Not boots. And definitely not Crocs (no shade here). 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Think of CPP and OAS as your retirement dance partners—two leads working together to keep you steady and confident. But timing is crucial. When you decide to claim these benefits can mean the difference between a smooth glide across the dance floor and a financial stumble. How Much Money Do OAS and CPP Pay Out? Canadian Pension Plan (CPP): The maximum CPP retirement pension at 65 is $1,433 per month, though most Canadians receive between $830 and $899 based on their contribution history. Old Age Security (OAS): Payments for OAS are up to $740 monthly for ages 65–74 and $999 monthly for those 75 and older—these benefits can support your retirement if used strategically. You cannot start OAS before age 65. How to Calculate Your OAS Monthly Benefit The maximum monthly OAS payment for someone aged 65 to 74 is around $740–$742 per month in 2026, assuming you qualify for the full amount and do not have a clawback due to high income. If you defer OAS till Age 70, the monthly payments increase. Here's the formula. For each month you defer past age 65, your monthly OAS pension increases by 0.6%. That’s 7.2% per year. Over 5 years (age 65 → 70), this adds up to a maximum increase of 36%. Note: There’s no additional benefit to waiting past age 70; the 36% maximum applies at age 70. The Monthly OAS amount you receive depends on a Number of Factors: The age you start receiving benefits (see above) Your residency history in Canada (minimum of 10 years after age 18 to qualify; to reach the full payment amount generally requires 40 years). Income can reduce or eliminate your OAS benefit, even if you defer, due to an income-related “clawback”. Please note these amounts are subject to change. For updates, check the Government of Canada website here. Let’s be crystal clear: CPP and OAS are not handouts CPP is your deferred earnings—your money, matched by your employer. OAS is your citizens’ dividend, earned through residency in Canada. As Grant Roberts, CFP, a financial planner with the accounting firm Welch LLP, says, “OAS is a security blanket. Society is better when people aren’t impoverished at the end of life.” Lose the stigma. You earned this. This is where the choreography becomes tricky. You must make lifetime decisions without knowing how long you'll live (fun, right?). According to Statistics Canada, a 65-year-old Canadian can expect to live another 20 years on average, and if you’re already 65 in good health, your personal runway might be even longer. Taking CPP at 60 lowers benefits by 36%. Waiting until 70 increases benefits by 42%. Using average benefits, deferring can result in more than $100,000 extra in lifetime income. If you live long enough. Fred Vettese, a former chief actuary of Morneau Shepell (now Telus Health) and a national thought leader on retirement issues who has published the bestseller, Retirement Income for Life (ECW Press) has some important insights to share on how age impacts these OAS and CPP payouts.  Vettese explains, “Approximately 75% of people win by deferring CPP to age 70 because they live past the break-even point.” His research indicates that about 75% of retirees benefit from delaying CPP until 70, while around 25% do not. Most people underestimate their longevity, but the odds are actually in favour of living long enough for the deferral to pay off. This is where inaction becomes dangerous. As Grant Roberts warns, “Inaction isn’t neutral—it’s a decision by default. While CPP does not start automatically at 65, OAS generally does for most people. The government won’t call to ask if you want to delay OAS for a higher payment—or remind you to apply for CPP at all. You have to ask, and you have to act.” And this isn’t theoretical. Roberts has seen seniors in their 70s who had never started CPP, simply because no one told them they had to apply. We’ve spent our entire adult lives being trained to save, so it’s unreasonable to think we can just flick a switch and suddenly become confident spenders the day we retire. As Grant Roberts puts it, “We teach saving for 50 years—no one teaches spending.” So here’s the real question: what’s your money brand? Saver? Spender? A hybrid in sensible shoes? Retirement requires a rebrand. Lifelong savers often need permission to spend—on experiences, joy, and yes, even dance lessons. Lifelong spenders may need to learn how to waltz with a budget (spoiler alert: let the budget lead). Either way, retirement isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about adjusting your rhythm so your money finally works for the life you’re living now. What About OAS Clawbacks? If your income exceeds about $90,000, the OAS clawback is 15 cents for every dollar. OAS clawbacks often discourage people unnecessarily. As I always say, "don’t let a dime stand in the way of a dollar." Strategic RRSP withdrawals between ages 65 and 70 can greatly reduce future clawbacks and enhance long-term results. This is choreography, not chaos. CPP and OAS planning should begin in your 50s, not at 64½. Ask yourself whether you intend to work past 65, whether you’re healthy enough to delay, and what income sources will fill the gap. Waiting for someone else to lead this dance is a sure way to step on your own toes. Proactively Managing Your OAS and CPP Benefits While most Canadians are automatically enrolled for Old Age Security (OAS) and will receive an enrollment letter around their 64th birthday, you may need to take action if you want to delay your start date to receive higher monthly payments. If you wish to delay, change your start date, or correct any information in your enrollment letter, you'll need to contact Service Canada directly. You can manage these choices in one of three ways: Go Online: Visit "My Service Canada Account" By Telephone: Call 1-800-277-9914 In-Person: Visiting a Service Canada Centre near you Don't assume automatic enrolment means the timing is right for you—review your options carefully, as the decision to delay could significantly increase your retirement income. The Last Dance (Remember the Poorly Lit High-School Gym?) Because the Retirement Timing Tango isn’t a sprint—it’s a 30-year dance marathon, and you are both the dancer and the charity you’re raising money for. CPP and OAS, timed well, aren’t about financial flash; they’re about stamina, balance, and staying upright long after the music changes. Get the timing right and your later years won’t feel like a frantic scramble under flickering gym lights—they’ll feel like a slow, confident final song where you know the steps, trust your footing, and aren’t worried about collapsing halfway through. That’s the point. Not just surviving retirement, but staying on the floor until the very last dance—with dignity, confidence, and enough income to enjoy the moment instead of counting the minutes until it’s over. Sue Don’t Retire… ReWire! Know someone who’s about to leave serious money on the dance floor? Forward this blog before the music stops. Consider it a public service announcement disguised as friendship. And if you want regular doses of retirement clarity, confidence, and choreography (no leotards required), subscribe here.

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