The image of old age as an unstoppable decline is apparently too simple. A study by the Yale School of Public Health, published in March 2026 in the journal Geriatrics, comes to a surprising conclusion: 45 per cent of people aged 65 and over improved over the years in at least one area – cognitive or physical.
How it was studied
The team led by psychologist and epidemiologist Prof. Becca R. Levy used data from the US Health and Retirement Study, a government-funded long-term survey of older people. More than 11,000 people aged 65 and over who were followed for up to twelve years were analysed. Cognitive performance was measured with a standardised test, and physical function by walking speed – a robust marker of health in old age.
The results
- 45 % improved in at least one of the two areas.
- Around 32 % scored better in the cognitive test than at the start.
- Around 28 % walked faster than at the start of the study.
- If those whose cognitive performance remained stable are added, more than half did not decline cognitively.
Improvements were also seen in people who already had normal values at the start – so this was not merely recovery after an illness.
The role of attitude
Particularly interesting: those who had a positive view of their own ageing at the start were significantly more likely to improve – both cognitively and in walking speed. This association persisted after age, sex, education, chronic illness, depression and length of follow-up were taken into account. Levy has been researching so-called age beliefs for years and had previously shown that negative stereotypes about old age are associated with poorer health.
Assessment
This study is also an observational study: it shows associations, not proof of cause and effect. It is possible, for example, that people with a positive attitude exercise more, are more socially active or make greater use of medical services. Nevertheless, it sends an important signal to medicine and society: ageing is not a uniform process, and improvements are possible even beyond 65.
What we can take away from this
Exercise, mental challenges and social contact are well-established building blocks for healthy ageing. The Yale data suggest that one’s own image of ageing is also part of this – and that it is worth questioning stereotypes such as “it’s all downhill in old age”.
Note: This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice.
