Phoenix Woman, 100, Studied by Scientists in Super Agers Family Study
PHOENIX – Today, many people are living longer, but there is a select group of individuals known as Super Agers. These are people in their 80’s and up, who have the brain function of someone decades younger.
One such Super Ager is Dorothy Boucek, a 100-year-old woman from Phoenix. Researchers are currently studying Boucek to find out what has contributed to her long and healthy life.
Boucek, who lights up any room she is in, exudes happiness and vitality. She attributes her longevity to a combination of factors, including a happy disposition, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and strong social connections.
“I am happy, I am very happy,” Boucek said. “I think a lot has to do with the fact that I’m a happy person, I’ve had a wonderful life.”
Boucek, who grew up in a large Czechoslovakian family in Chicago, has always maintained a healthy lifestyle. She enjoys a glass of wine every night, maintains an active social life, and participates in activities such as ballroom dancing and jitterbug.
Her habits, both past and present, are currently being studied as part of the Super Agers Family Study. This study, led by Dr. Sofiya Milman at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, aims to enroll 10,000 individuals aged 95 and older, as well as their family members, to better understand the genetic factors contributing to a long and healthy life.
“We’re very interested in genetics and the contribution of genetics to living long and healthy lives,” Dr. Milman said. “We think in the future people will be able to take a pill that will help them live longer and healthier that will mimic the action and the function of these longevity genes.”
For Boucek, participating in the study is a way for her to give back and potentially help others live longer, healthier lives.
“I think a lot has to do with the fact that I’m a happy person, I’ve had a wonderful life, I have a wonderful son and my illustrious daughter-in-law, Beth,” Boucek said. “I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
As the study continues, researchers hope to gain valuable insights into the genetic markers and lifestyle factors that contribute to exceptional longevity. Boucek and others like her may ultimately hold the key to a healthier and longer life for future generations.