People have long believed that the brain slows after our 20s, with fading memory, slower reactions, and less creativity. But new research suggests that isn’t entirely true.
Scientists at the University of Western Australia found that while physical strength and reflexes may peak earlier in life, overall cognitive ability reached its highest between ages 55 and 60 and didn’t begin to decline until around age 65. The study, published in the journal Intelligence, examined data on 16 psychological traits, including memory, emotional control, decision-making, and personality, and tracked their changes and overall trajectories with age.
The researchers discovered that emotional stability and self-discipline continue improving well into people’s 60s and 70s. Even the ability to resist cognitive bias ? making balanced, rational judgments ? tends to strengthen with age.
Experts say the findings suggest middle age could be the true “golden period” for leadership and problem-solving. With experience, emotional balance, and a deeper understanding of others, people in their 50s and 60s may be better equipped to make thoughtful and steady decisions.
The findings challenge the idea that aging always brings decline. Instead, researchers say it’s time to see this period in life as a stage of growth, not weakness, and rethink what it means to be “at your best.”
J.K. Park Staff Reporter junior/1762393689/1613368089
1. What did researchers discover about how the brain changes with age?
2. How do emotional stability and decision-making evolve as people grow older?
3. Why do experts call middle age a possible “golden period” for leadership?
4. What new perspective on aging does this study encourage people to adopt?
1. Do you agree that the brain can keep improving into your 50s or 60s?
2. What kind of mental skills do you hope to strengthen as you grow older?
3. Who in your life do you think shows wisdom or emotional balance that comes with age?
4. How does this study change the way you think about getting older?
People have long believed that the brain slows after our 20s, with fading memory, slower reactions, and less creativity. But new research suggests that isn’t entirely true.
