A recent study from the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center published in Nature Aging indicates that older adults in England today exhibit significantly enhanced functioning compared to previous generations, primarily due to advancements in education, nutrition, and medical care. The research assessed functional abilities—cognitive, locomotor, psychological, and sensory—rather than just the presence of diseases, using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging. It found that individuals born in the post-World War II era demonstrate better physical and mental capabilities than those born earlier. For instance, a 68-year-old born in 1950 is performing comparably to a 62-year-old born a decade earlier. According to John Beard, one of the authors, significant environmental improvements likely contributed to these trends, although caution is advised about future outcomes, as rising obesity rates could potentially reverse these gains. Additionally, while similar analyses in China showed a similar trend, follow-up was limited. Aging expert Jay Olshansky noted the study’s evidence that intrinsic capacity is modifiable, offering hope that medical advancements can further improve aging outcomes. Overall, the study highlights promising developments in aging, but also warns of persistent inequities among different demographic groups.
