We know you like to think you’re smarter, wiser and more mature than all those youngsters. The good news is that you now have science on your side.
[…] The findings revealed that several traits reach their highest levels later in life. Conscientiousness tends to peak around age 65, while emotional stability may not reach its maximum until approximately 75. Overall psychological functioning appears to crest between ages 55 and 60, before gradually declining from the mid-sixties and more sharply after age 75.
Beyond personality traits, the study also highlights cognitive skills often overlooked in discussions of aging. Moral reasoning and the ability to resist cognitive biases—mental shortcuts that can distort judgment – frequently continue to strengthen into the 70s and 80s. Gignac noted that these improvements may explain why demanding leadership positions in business, politics, and other fields are frequently held by individuals in their 50s and early 60s. While certain abilities like processing speed may decline with age, gains in judgment, perspective, and decision-making help balance these changes.
In other words, stability. Just what you need for running a business or making sure your grandkids don’t touch your inheritance before they’re old enough.
Despite these positive findings, older adults still face challenges in the workforce. Age discrimination persists, even though the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects workers aged 40 and above. According to a survey by résumé-building platform Resume Now, nearly 90 per cent of employees over 40 reported experiencing workplace ageism, with roughly half indicating that employers favour younger candidates. Some professions, such as airline pilots and air traffic controllers, enforce mandatory retirement ages due to the high cognitive demands of these roles.
Sad but true. While there a many times when boomers should step aside for younger generations, age discrimination is a very real thing and, just like so-called positive discrimination, it cannot be justified under any circumstances.
[…] While physical performance typically peaks in early adulthood, usually between ages 25 and 35, researchers note that mental and emotional abilities follow a different timeline. Rather than declining with age, key psychological traits continue developing well into middle and late adulthood. Experts also emphasise that while genetics play a role in how the brain ages, lifestyle factors make a significant difference. Regular mental challenges – such as learning new languages, playing strategic games, or engaging in creative pursuits – can help sustain memory and reasoning skills. Combined with healthy habits, these activities may delay cognitive decline and enhance overall well-being.
Keep those bridge nights going, ladies.
The study also highlights how perceptions of aging often fail to match scientific evidence. Society tends to associate getting older with decline, yet data suggests that many individuals continue to excel in complex thinking and emotional understanding well into their later years.
So there you have it, some positive, real science for a change.
Next time some smartarse youngin’ calls you a senile old fart, just point them to this article.
Kevin is a Libertarian and pragmatic anarchist. His favourite saying: “There but for the grace of God go I.” This article was first published HERE
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