A longitudinal analysis of ~11,000 Americans shows 45% improved in cognition or walking speed over 12 years, and those with more positive beliefs about aging were significantly likelier to improve. Averaging across people hides this heterogeneity, so mindset and cultural stereotypes may shape measurable biological and functional outcomes in later life.
— If age beliefs are modifiable and linked to real cognitive and physical gains, public messaging, anti‑ageism campaigns, and health interventions could become low‑cost levers to improve population health among older adults.
Jake Currie
2026.03.11
100% relevant
Yale-led team (Becca R. Levy) using the Health and Retirement Study tracked cognitive scores and walking speed in >11,000 people and reported 32% cognitive and 28% physical improvement over 12 years, correlated with more positive age beliefs.
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