At 95 years old, Sally Froelich embodies a lifetime of stories, achievements, and wisdom. Her journey began in 1950 when she started working at Macy’s Department Store in New York City. Her charisma and ability to connect with people eventually led her to Bloomingdale’s, where she was hired to interview patrons during breakfast events; a unique role that catapulted her into the media spotlight. Her warm interactions and natural curiosity became the foundation for “The Sally Froelich Show,” a talk show that aired for over 20 years, engaging audiences with candid conversations and relatable topics.“The guests would talk to me, and the audience would ask questions. It was a lot of fun,” as reported by Healthline.
TV host Froelich joins ‘SuperAgers study ’ to explore the science behind healthy aging
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Among the many topics she explored on her show, one series remains especially close to Froelich’s heart: “The Vital Years.” Launched when she was around 60 years old, the series focused on the challenges and joys of aging in later adulthood — including second marriages, staying active, health concerns, and grandparenting.Today, these conversations feel more relevant than ever, as Froelich participates in an innovative research project aiming to unlock the secrets of healthy aging. Froelich is one of 600 participants in the SuperAgers Family Study, run by the American Federation for Aging Research. This study is no small effort — it seeks to enroll 10,000 individuals aged 95 and older who are in good physical and cognitive health. But it’s not just about the SuperAgers themselves. The study also includes their adult children and the spouses of those children who don’t have SuperAger parents.
Although she may have longevity genes on her side, Froelich also practices many of the healthy lifestyle habits recommended by experts:“I eat three meals a day. I don’t overeat,” she says. A balanced diet helps maintain energy, weight, and immune function.She never smoked and drinks only in moderation. Research shows smokers are three times more likely to die prematurely of cardiovascular diseases.Froelich proudly notes that her weight hasn’t changed in 50 years, even though her body shape has. This stability helps reduce strain on joints and organs.A lifelong sports enthusiast, she continues to golf 2–3 times a week and exercises six days a week — including stretching, sit-ups, and weight training.Froelich keeps her mind sharp with bridge, audiobooks, and TV. Mental stimulation supports cognitive health and memory as we age.She dines out weekly, sees her children regularly, and checks in with her grandchildren via Zoom. Social interaction is linked to lower rates of depression and dementia. “If I’ve been hanging around the house a lot, I just go out and walk around the block,” she adds.Her advice? “Do what you want to do and things that make you happy. Eat ice cream and delicious chocolate.”“Keep your hair done, your nails done… and have someone tell you if anything looks off,” she says. Looking after your appearance can boost mood and confidence.
- Reframe how you think about aging
Research shows that positive perceptions of aging can extend life by up to 7.5 years. “It’s not just about living longer — it’s about living better,” says Dr. Leipzig.
Why SuperAgers and their children hold the key to healthy aging
“They are just as important as the SuperAgers because we need to draw comparisons in the frequency of the genes,” said Dr. Sofiya Milman, Director of Human Longevity Studies at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.The goal? To discover which genes are responsible for helping people live long, healthy, and disease-free lives. Past research suggests that certain genes may play a key role in exceptional longevity — including those that influence HDL cholesterol and growth hormone regulation. Dr. Milman and her team have found that genetics often outweigh lifestyle factors when it comes to reaching the age of 95 and beyond. “We found that [SuperAgers] didn’t differ in smoking, alcohol use, diet, or exercise compared to their peers — and yet, they lived significantly longer,” Milman explained.
Even if you didn’t win the genetic lottery, lifestyle choices remain critically important. While only 0.1% of Americans live to age 95 or older, the rest of the population can still dramatically reduce the risk of age-related diseases by adopting healthy habits. “It’s unlikely that a healthy lifestyle alone will get you to 95,” said Milman, “but it can delay the onset of illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.”According to Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, geriatrician and author of Honest Aging, genetics account for about 20–40% of longevity, while the remaining 60–80% is shaped by your environment and life experiences — including your childhood nutrition, education, access to healthcare, and even the neighborhood you grew up in. She also highlights the concept of “weathering” — the idea that chronic stress from systemic disadvantage, particularly among African American women, can impact long-term health outcomes.Also Read | Waking up with a headache? It could be a silent sign of high BP, experts warn