UChicago researchers explore what helps people stay sharp as they age
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Scientists at the University of Chicago are studying healthy aging to understand why some people remain mentally sharp, keep learning, and continue enjoying life well into later years. Their work highlights that thriving with age isn’t just about avoiding disease, it’s also about protecting the sensory systems that keep us connected to the world, including hearing, vision, and other senses. When sensory function declines, it can make daily thinking and social interaction more effortful, adding cognitive strain over time and potentially contributing to stress, fatigue, and mental health challenges.
Source
Wang, A. Z., Wroblewski, K. E., Hawkley, L., & Pinto, J. M. (2024). Types of sensory disability are differentially associated with mental health in older US adults over time. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 72(9), 2770–2781. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.19056
Additional Reading
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/science-healthy-aging
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-super-ager