As youth becomes more distant, many fear aging – but there is also reason for optimism: According to a new study published in the journal Intelligence, for many of us, overall psychological functioning actually peaks in the late 50s – between ages 55 and 60.
This is an age when decision-making, leadership, and complex problem-solving skills actually improve, not decline, as is often believed.
Different kinds of “peaks”
Most of us know that the physical peak occurs in our 20s or 30s, and that raw cognitive abilities, such as processing speed and memory, start to decline as early as the mid-20s. But when the perspective is broadened beyond “speed,” a completely different picture emerges.
The researchers examined 16 psychological traits selected according to precise criteria: Those that can be measured scientifically, are consistent over time rather than temporary, and are known to actually influence success and functioning in life.
The traits included cognitive abilities such as memory, knowledge, emotional intelligence, and processing speed, alongside the five major personality traits: Extraversion, emotional stability, conscientiousness, openness to experience, and agreeableness.
And what did the study find?
Conscientiousness (self-discipline) – peaked around age 65
Emotional stability – peaked at age 75
Moral reasoning – found to peak in older age
The ability to resist cognitive biases – continued to improve even into one’s 70s and 80s
These are not “speed-based” abilities, but rather those of judgment, sensitivity, responsibility, and complex reflection on life.
When all 16 measures were combined into a single weighted index of overall psychological functioning – the result was clear: The peak occurs between ages 55 and 60, and the decline becomes noticeable only around age 65, with some acceleration after age 75.
A shift in the perception of age
These findings may explain why many senior roles in business, politics, and public life are held by people in their 50s and 60s. While some cognitive abilities do wane with age, they are balanced by improvements in other traits – such as judgment, emotional regulation, and empathy.
Nevertheless, people in this age group often face difficulties in the job market: Sometimes due to structural barriers like mandatory retirement age, and sometimes due to age-related biases that overlook their true potential.
Despite data on slower thinking speed, studies show that not everyone ages the same way. Some people maintain sharp cognitive abilities even at a very advanced age. Just look at Darwin, who published On the Origin of Species at age 50, and Beethoven, who composed the Ninth Symphony at age 53 – while already deaf.
The conclusion: Competence should not be determined by age – but by what a person is truly capable of. Perhaps it’s time to change the way we talk about middle age. It’s not a period of decline – but a psychological, personal, and professional peak.