A new study published in the journal Geriatrics<\/em> <\/a>found that when researchers followed 11,000 participants over the age of 65 for up to 12 years, 45% of them improved in either the mental or physical<\/a> domains, with some improving in both. About 28% improved physically, and 32% improved mentally. To determine whether the participants improved or declined, they completed a global mental performance assessment and a walking test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMany people equate aging with an inevitable and continuous loss of physical and cognitive abilities,\u201d lead author Becca R. Levy<\/a>, an international expert on psychosocial determinants of aging<\/a> health, said in a statement<\/a>. \u201cWhat we found is that improvement in later life is not rare, it\u2019s common, and it should be included in our understanding of the aging process.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The researchers hypothesize that the major reason some people show improvements is their beliefs about aging. Those who have a more positive view of the aging process were much more likely to show improvements in their mental and physical health. Those with negative views on aging were much less likely to show any improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It makes sense because if you believe that you can improve after the age of 65, you\u2019re much more likely to try. If you think that you can or cannot improve your health over the age of 65, you\u2019re probably right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur findings suggest there is often a reserve capacity for improvement in later life,\u201d Levy said. \u201cAnd because age beliefs are modifiable, this opens the door to interventions at both the individual and societal level.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Improvement after 65 requires regularly performing age-appropriate mental and physical exercises. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, which can be divided into about 22 minutes a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are exercises that can help people age well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show that walking is great<\/a> for seniors\u2019 mental and physical health and can help reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular problems as well as cognitive issues, including dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resistance exercises, or strength training, can help prevent muscle loss<\/a> and improve metabolic health. They\u2019re also known to elevate mood and improve sleep quality. Examples of strength training exercises include light weights, squats, and standing push-ups against a wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to aging, attitude is everything<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to stay mentally and physically fit after 65<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Brisk walking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"walking,](\"https:\/\/www.upworthy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/S-3-J.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Resistance exercises<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Meditative movements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n