Super-Agers and Hockey Players Who Just Keep Going
This morning, I read an article in the New York Times about "super-agers." These are people in their 80s and 90s whose brains work like those of people decades younger. The study, published in Nature Aging, examined 96 super-agers (average age around 84) and compared their brains with those of 96 typical older adults and a younger control group (average age 47).
Older Folks Who Keep Pushing.
The big takeaway? Super-agers had a larger, thicker anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), that part of the brain involved in motivation, attention, decision-making, and sticking with tough stuff. Researchers figure this "motivational engine" helps them stay sharp and engaged (Anthes, Emily. "The Brains of Super-Agers Have a Special Ability, New Study Suggests." The New York Times, February 28, 2026).
They scored better on memory and processing tests, and reported more perseverance in daily life. The lead researcher, Alexandra Touroutoglou from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard, said it's not just luck or genes. These people have brains wired to support mental activity deep into old age. The study hasn’t yet determined whether the bigger ACC causes the sharpness or results from lifelong habits, but it's a hint that motivation plays a bigger role in aging than we thought. The point is that it’s probably a combination of both.
Hockey Super-Agers: Staying on the Ice Past 40.
That got me thinking about hockey players who defy the odds and play into their 40s. The NHL grinds bodies down, but a few guys kept going strong when most hang up the skates in their mid-30s. Obviously, Gordie Howe was one of these players. But, I chose to look at three NHL players who were more current: Jaromir Jagr, Joe Thornton, and Patrick Marleau. They didn't just survive; they contributed until the end.
Jagr Played into His 50s.
Jagr's the ultimate example. He played in the NHL until he was 45 and into his 50s in Europe. His secret? Obsessive conditioning. Off-seasons included workouts that would crush younger players, a strict diet, and a focus on recovery.
He adapted, too: from a flashy scorer to a gritty possession guy who mentored kids while still producing. Jagr talked about loving the game like an addiction — he couldn't quit, even when his body screamed.
Thornton and Marleau Had a Different and Accepting Attitude.
Thornton lasted until 42. He leaned on yoga, biking, and clean eating to stay flexible and durable. He didn't chase his 25-year-old self; he became a pass-first wizard, using vision and size over speed. Thornton was all about joy — mentoring young guys, keeping the room loose, even on bad teams. His perseverance came from that love of the daily grind.
Marleau played 1,779 games, retiring at 42. He was the Iron Man: endless cardio, summer skating, no off-ice distractions. He shifted from sniper to reliable checker and leader, still chipping in goals but focusing on positioning. Marleau's drive was quiet — showing up every day because the game was his life.
What Tied All These Older NHL Players Together?
What tied them together? Relentless work ethic (bodies as tools to maintain), smart adaptation (evolving their game as speed faded), high hockey IQ (avoiding hits, reading plays), and deep passion (playing because they couldn't imagine stopping). Maybe that ACC "engine" was bigger in them too — the motivation to push through slumps, injuries, criticism. Maybe that ACC engine was bigger in them, too.
Hockey longevity isn't magic. It's discipline, smarts, and refusing to let the joy fade. Super-agers on ice, basically.