Known for their work on the effect of ageism on healthy aging, Levy and Slade offer good news from their recent study of cognitive and physical capacity as we grow older.

We expect cognitive and physical decline to be inevitable as we age. It is true that the group studied by Levy and Slade over a twelve-year period did decline in cognitive and physical capacities, but there was wide variability. Thirty-two percent of those in the study actually improved cognitively, and 28% improved physically. Some in the group improved in both.

The study showed that the best predictor of successful aging was a positive attitude.  Crossword puzzles and gym visits are always on my agenda. 

My attitude might need a little work