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Q: Why do some people maintain mental prowess well into their 90s? What do they do differently from most of us?

A: While the general thinking is that memory declines and brain functions slow as we age no matter what, studies on super-agers suggest this is not inevitable. There may be ways to maintain high levels of cognitive function for much longer in life.

Studies have found that genetics is the greatest component in the state of aging brains. If you are born with the right genes, you have a good chance of becoming a super-ager. But what if you don’t?

Super-agers also tend to follow a healthy lifestyle, which is tightly linked to maintaining cognitive function. In addition, their healthier choices make it more likely to avoid chronic conditions that can contribute to more rapid decline in memory and thinking.

Here’s a look at the healthy daily habits of many super-agers and how they may help protect your brain.

-Eat more superfoods: Many super-agers follow diets rich in foods high in antioxidants, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients have been shown to fight inflammation and help protect the body from disease-causing cell damage.

Examples include berries, whole grains (oatmeal, quinoa), fatty fish (salmon, trout), nuts (walnuts, almonds), olive oil, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower), avocados and green tea.

-Be more active: Super-agers tend to engage in more physical activity. Regular exercise helps maintain brain volume and cognitive function, even if you begin later in life.

Exercise sparks physiological changes in the body, such as the production of growth factors — chemicals that enhance communication between brain cells and can actually form new brain cells.

-Be more social: Most super-agers tend to have more social interactions. Studies have shown that regular social engagement is associated with healthier brains.

The opposite is also true: Social isolation is linked to lower volume of gray matter in brain regions related to cognition.

-Challenge yourself: Super-agers challenge their brains, and studies have shown that learning new things as you age aids memory. For instance, study a second language, learn a musical instrument or adopt a new hobby.

-Get quality sleep: Super-agers also prioritize sleep. During sleep, the brain clears away metabolic waste that builds up early in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

A study in the November 2022 issue of the journal Sleep found that trouble falling or staying asleep three or more nights per week for three months boosted the risk for worsening memory in older adults.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, see health.harvard.edu.

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