The myth that old age leads to health problems has been debunked

Old age is often perceived as a period of inevitable physical and cognitive decline. However, a new study has shown that in many people over 65, bodily functions can actually improve. Moreover, a person's attitude toward their own aging plays an important role in this. The work was published in the journal Geriatrics.

Scientists analyzed data from more than 11,000 participants in the long-term Health and Retirement Study — one of the largest aging studies in the United States. Observation of volunteers continued for up to 12 years.

Researchers assessed two indicators: cognitive abilities and physical condition. A comprehensive memory and thinking test was used to evaluate cognitive functions, while physical condition was assessed by walking speed. Geriatricians often call this indicator a "vital sign," as it is associated with the risk of disability, hospitalization, and mortality.

It turned out that 45% of participants demonstrated improvement in at least one of these indicators over time. Approximately 32% showed improvement in cognitive functions, and 28% in physical indicators.

If one also accounts for people whose cognitive abilities did not decline, more than half of the participants effectively disproved the widespread notion of inevitable mental decline in old age.

According to the researchers, such changes often go unnoticed when only average indicators are considered.

"When we average the data, it appears that only gradual decline occurs. But if you look at individual trajectories, it becomes clear that many older adults actually improve their performance over time," Levy explained.

Scientists also identified a factor associated with these improvements. People who initially held more positive perceptions of aging were more likely to demonstrate improvement in both cognitive functions and physical condition. This effect persisted even after accounting for age, sex, education level, chronic diseases, and depression.

The authors explain the result through the so-called "stereotype embodiment" theory. According to it, perceptions of aging that a person absorbs from culture, media, and their social environment eventually begin to influence their behavior and even physiological processes.

Previous studies had already shown that negative attitudes about aging are associated with memory deterioration, slower walking speed, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

According to the authors, the study results point to the existence of a "reserve potential" in the body even in old age. Since attitudes toward aging can be changed, this opens up opportunities for programs supporting the health of older adults — both at the individual level and at the societal level.