- New research challenges the notion that mental and physical decline is inevitable in old age, finding that many people over 65 experience improvements.
- A study by Yale University, analysing over a decade of data from 11,000 older Americans, revealed that 45 per cent improved in at least one of two key areas: cognitive performance or walking speed.
- Specifically, 32 per cent showed cognitive gains and 28 per cent became physically faster, with many of these improvements being clinically meaningful.
- The research highlights that individuals with more positive beliefs about ageing were more likely to show improvements in both cognitive and physical function.
- Lead author Dr Becca Levy suggests that these findings, published in the journal Geriatrics, call for a re-evaluation of societal expectations of later life and open doors for interventions.
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