Adults can bounce back to good health, study finds

Nearly one in four older adults with poor health and well-being can return to good condition within three years, challenging assumptions that decline in later life is inevitable.

The research defined recovery to “optimal well-being” as the absence of serious conditions affecting daily life, alongside good physical health, psychological stability, happiness and life satisfaction.

Researchers at the University of Toronto analysed data from 8,332 respondents aged 60 or older who reported poor well-being at the start of a national study due to pain, illness, low mood or isolation.

First author Mabel Ho is a doctoral graduate at the university’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and the Institute of Life Course and Ageing.“

Ho said: This isn’t just a story of resilience – it’s a roadmap for how we can help more older adults recover and thrive.

“Our findings point to the important role of modifiable lifestyle and psychosocial factors in shaping healthy ageing.”

Participants were tracked over three years to see if they reached optimal well-being.

Those reporting strong emotional and psychological health at the beginning were more than five times as likely to recover than those who did not.

Other factors linked with recovery included keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding insomnia, not smoking and taking part in social activities.

Ho said: “With the right supports and lifestyle, many older adults can regain health, independence and quality of life, even after serious challenges.”

The findings carry implications for ageing-related policy and programmes, suggesting the need to focus more on whole-person wellness and to acknowledge that recovery is not only possible but common.

Senior author Esme Fuller-Thomson is director of the Institute for Life Course and Ageing and professor at the university’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

She said: “Too often, the emphasis in ageing research and geriatric care is on disability and deterioration.

 “Our findings show that older adults can and do recover – and systems should be designed to support that.”