Many people expect physical and mental capacities to decline with age, but a new study by Yale University challenges this idea. The results showed that a significant number of older adults experienced improvements in their physical and cognitive abilities over time, and that individuals with a more positive outlook on aging were the most likely to achieve this improvement.

Although the study does not suggest that optimism can reverse the effects of aging, it adds new evidence to research confirming that aging does not follow the same path for everyone, and that maintaining physical and mental health in later life may be more achievable than previously thought.

Many older adults saw their abilities improve over time.

The study, published in 2026 and reported by the website Verywell Health, analyzed data from more than 11,000 individuals aged 65 and older, who were followed for up to 12 years as part of a long-term US study on health and retirement.

The researchers focused on measuring changes in cognitive performance, including memory and thinking skills, as well as walking speed, which is a common indicator of physical fitness and capacity.

The results showed that more than 45 percent of participants recorded improvements in cognitive performance, physical performance, or both during the study period.

The results were as follows:

- About 32 percent improved their cognitive abilities.

- Nearly 28 percent improved their walking speed.

- Roughly 44 percent of those who improved their cognitive performance also experienced an improvement in walking speed.

When researchers studied the average scores of all participants, the usual age-related decline appeared. However, when analyzing individual results, it turned out that a large number of older adults achieved improvements in at least one aspect of their abilities over time.

Positive beliefs about aging make a difference

The study also looked into factors that might explain this improvement and found that the most prominent factor was the participants' outlook on aging.

People who held more positive beliefs about getting older were more likely to improve their cognitive and physical abilities, even after accounting for factors such as age, gender, education level, and health status.

Dr. Amy Fitzpatrick, a physician at Boston Medical Center and assistant professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, said these results offer a more optimistic view of aging.

She added: "The study suggests that some people may see an improvement in their quality of life as they age if they receive appropriate support and adopt healthy habits."

She explained that these findings give families and caregivers hope that many older adults can continue to learn and develop, and perhaps regain some abilities they had previously lost.

How does our view of aging affect our health?

Researchers also evaluated participants' attitudes toward aging using a validated scientific questionnaire.

The results showed that those with a positive outlook were more likely to improve their physical and cognitive abilities, even after eliminating the influence of other factors.

However, the researchers stressed that this does not mean positive thinking alone directly leads to improved health, but rather it may influence daily behaviors practiced by individuals.

Fitzpatrick says: "If a person believes they are capable of continuing to improve as they age, they are more likely to stay socially active, continue learning, exercise, and seek medical care when needed."

She added: "As for those who believe that muscle weakness or memory decline is an inevitable part of aging, they may become less willing to engage in behaviors that help preserve mental and physical capacities."

Is positive thinking alone enough?

Researchers emphasize that the study's findings do not mean optimism alone can improve health or slow down aging.

Because the study is observational, it reveals a correlation between positive beliefs and health, but it does not prove that the former is the direct cause of the latter.

It is also possible that individuals who enjoy better health or greater social support are more inclined to adopt a positive outlook on aging.

Fitzpatrick believes the core message of the study is that a positive outlook can encourage the adoption of healthy habits, such as engaging in regular physical activity, following a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, maintaining social relationships, and committing to medical checkups and preventive care.

How to maintain physical and mental health as you age?

Although aging is inevitable, studies indicate that adopting a healthy lifestyle helps preserve physical and mental capacities. Among the most prominent habits recommended by experts are:

- Engaging in daily physical activity, including strength exercises, walking, balance, and stretching exercises.

- Following a balanced diet rich in protein and fiber.

- Sleeping seven to nine hours daily.

- Maintaining communication with family and friends.

- Learning new skills or practicing new hobbies.

- Controlling chronic diseases such as high blood pressure.

- Consistently undergoing hearing and vision checkups and preventive health care.

Fitzpatrick concludes by saying: "The most important thing this study teaches us is that aging is not determined solely by the number of years we have lived, but is also shaped by the thousands of daily decisions we make, the support we receive, and our ability to remain physically, mentally, and socially active."

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