We’ve long been told to expect that aging inevitably comes with decline, particularly when it comes to brain health. But the latest research is contradicting that story. Instead, it’s telling a more optimistic—and more complicated—one. Are Americans really growing smarter?

The findings? The good news is that Americans today are, on average, maintaining higher levels of cognitive function than previous generations at the same age. However, cognitive decline and dementia remain significant risks as our population lives longer, and while we may know what to do, we don’t always do it.

What does this mean? It means that we can live at 100% for potentially 100 years or more, if we make the right choices starting today.

The Progress

The data coming from the latest IMF report has shown that older Americans, and the same is true for many other countries around the world, are outperforming their predecessors in key measures of physical and cognitive health. While their grip strength and lung capacity had improved, it was particularly noteworthy that a 70-year-old in 2022 had the same cognitive health score as a 53-year-old in 2000. It’s undeniable that this is a significant reframe of “old age” in a short period of time. 

The Challenge

Despite the amazing progress, dementia diagnoses remain a growing burden in our society. A major current public health challenge, 1 in 9 people in the U.S. today or approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 or older are living with dementia. Some lifetime risk estimates are as high as 40% after age 55. Why? It’s not because we don’t know how to prevent dementia. Rather, it’s because we don’t actually do what we know that we need to do to lower or remove the risk altogether. 

For many of us, we make the daily choices not to exercise, engage in lifelong learning, socialize, eat well, sleep well, and all the other daily choices that make up our lifestyle. Instead, the lifestyle we are creating for ourselves leads to, not away from, health consequences like dementia. This means that while the baseline, the potential for maintaining our mental abilities for the rest of our life is higher, the choices are still ours to make and the responsibility for acting on those choices falls on us.

The Takeaway

So, where does this leave us? The ultimate takeaway here is that it’s not what researchers or policymakers say, it’s what we do. Lifestyle choices at every age influence whether we grow smarter (fitter, healthier, and even happier) as we grow older.

Here’s The 100 Year LifestyleⓇ proven approach to maximizing your mental and physical abilities, regardless of your age:

• Keep learning. Take classes, learn new technologies, read widely. Novelty and challenge build new brain connections.
• Move your body.  Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, supports memory, and reduces dementia risk. Walk, garden, swim, whatever you love to do, all counts. 
• Nourish your body and your mind with healthy foods. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, nuts, and healthy fats support brain function.
• Get enough quality sleep. Good sleep hygiene isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Irregular or insufficient sleep accelerates cognitive decline. 
• Stay connected. Social isolation is a risk factor for dementia. Relationships, volunteering, mentoring, and community matter as much as crossword puzzles.
• Manage stress. Chronic stress erodes both physical and cognitive health. Practices like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and chiropractic care help regulate stress naturally.

Be Intentional

The 100 Year LifestyleⓇ is not just about living longer—it’s about living better. The data suggest that with the right strategies, many of us can age smarter, with sharper minds and fuller lives. But it won’t happen by accident.

If you want to experience your 70s, 80s, 90s, or even 100s with a clear mind, start making daily choices now that protect your brain and also protect your body.

The message is simple:

• Progress is possible.
• Decline is not inevitable.
• Your lifestyle is the difference-maker.
  

Your Choices

So, are Americans growing smarter? Absolutely. But whether you will grow smarter is less about the statistics and all about your lifestyle choices. Are you getting regular chiropractic adjustments by a 100 Year LifestyleⓇ provider near you? Make the right choice today, and reap the benefits over a long, healthy life.