Why getting older may mean getting better
Aug. 3, 2026—If you're like most Americans, you probably have a few negative beliefs about getting older, says AARP.
You might want to reframe your outlook. A study recently published in the scientific journal Geriatrics shows that people can improve their health as they age. And having positive beliefs about age can influence that improvement.
A positive outlook matters
Researchers at Yale University followed 11,314 people who were between ages 50 and 99 for 12 years. They tracked two major indicators of health in older adults: cognitive function and walking speed. The research team assessed cognitive function in people ages 50 and older and walking speed in people ages 65 and older.
After analyzing the data and accounting for factors such as age, sex, education, ethnicity and chronic health conditions, the researchers made some interesting discoveries. First, 45% of participants showed improvement in walking speed or cognitive function. Most of them improved in only one category. Looking at the categories separately, the researchers found that 28% showed better walking speed and 31% showed better cognition.
The research team also assessed participants' beliefs about aging and discovered that the positive thinkers were more likely to improve in both walking speed and cognition.
Change your mind, change your health
Aging is inevitable. But how you perceive it can affect your health and happiness. These simple steps can help you feel and function your best at any age.
Find inspiration in others. Come up with a list of people over age 60 whom you admire. Jot down the qualities they have that you would like to emulate. Let them inspire you to think positively about aging.
Interact with different generations. Connecting with people who are older and younger than you can help you feel more positive about and accepting of all age groups.
Take good care of yourself. Each day, do something that benefits your overall health. The Aging Life Care Association advises focusing on fundamentals. These include eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, learning new things and moving your body.
Replace outdated stereotypes. Getting older doesn't automatically mean becoming weak or confused. Find the facts in our Aging health topic center and seek new, positive aspects of aging. You have plenty to choose from!
Sources
- AARP. "6 Ways to Change the Way You Think About Aging." https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/perspectives-on-aging.
- Aging Life Care Association. "Embracing Wellness at Every Age: A Guide for Living Vibrantly in Later Life." https://blog.aginglifecare.org/blog/embracing-wellness-at-every-age-a-guide-for-living-vibrantly-in-later-life.
- Geriatrics. "Aging Redefined: Cognitive and Physical Improvement With Positive Age Beliefs." https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3417/11/2/28.