Yale study finds nearly half of older adults improve cognition or mobility over time
Mar 8th 2026
A Yale analysis of 11,000+ older Americans over up to 12 years found 45% showed cognitive or physical improvement, and those with more positive beliefs about aging were more likely to get better.
- Researchers analyzed more than 11,000 participants from the Health and Retirement Study with follow-up up to 12 years.
- Overall, 45% improved in at least one domain, including 32% who improved cognitively and 28% who improved physically.
- Many gains exceeded clinically meaningful thresholds and were not limited to people recovering from prior impairments.
- People with more positive age beliefs were significantly more likely to improve in cognition and walking speed after adjusting for demographics and health.
- Authors say the results support stereotype embodiment theory, suggest age beliefs are modifiable, and recommend more emphasis on prevention and rehabilitation for older adults.