As we get older, our thinking skills often deteriorate: We may get slower, more forgetful, and not as good at learning new things. Yet not everyone experiences these changes to the same degree. Some remain mentally sharp into their 60s, 70s, and beyond; others experience declines that can make it harder for them to live independently.
Researchers see hope in this variation. It’s a sign that decline might not be inevitable. Together with the fact that people are tending to live longer, it’s no surprise that this is an area pursued by specialists around the world.
