The Brain’s Prime Is Not in Your 20s... Peak Mental Abilities Come at This Age

Ages 55 to 60: Memory May Decline, but Judgment and Emotional Intelligence Improve
The Peak Period for Complex Thinking and Leadership Skills

The common belief is that certain cognitive functions, such as memory and information processing speed, begin to gradually decline after the mid-20s. However, a recently published study challenges this notion. While physical reflexes and speed may decrease, the analysis suggests that overall mental functions in humans actually peak in the late middle age, specifically between the ages of 55 and 60.

This study was published in the prestigious international journal Intelligence, which specializes in psychology and intelligence research, and was led by Associate Professor Jill E. Gignac of the University of Western Australia.

The research team conducted a detailed analysis of 16 psychological factors encompassing human cognitive abilities, personality traits, and emotional intelligence, based on existing large-scale population data. These factors include memory capacity, problem-solving skills, judgment, moral reasoning, financial literacy, conscientiousness, and emotional regulation.

The results showed that while younger individuals excel in speed and agility, complex mental abilities such as emotional regulation, careful judgment, and leadership reach their peak during middle age.

Conscientiousness was found to peak on average around the age of 65, emotional stability at 75, and cognitive bias control continued to increase even into the 80s. Notably, when considering overall mental abilities, the period between 55 and 60 years old emerged as the time when human mental capacity is most harmoniously expressed.

This study is characterized by its emphasis on complex thinking and insight required in real-world social life, moving beyond traditional cognitive assessments that focus solely on the speed of "mental processing."

Professor Gignac assessed, "Middle age is a period when experience, emotional regulation, and understanding of others are in harmony, making it optimal for demonstrating strategic thinking and leadership within organizations." This provides a scientific explanation for why people in their 50s and 60s often serve as leaders in key decision-making structures in business, politics, and public institutions.

This study refutes the long-held belief that intelligence simply declines with age and offers a new perspective on social discussions related to reemployment of older adults and the extension of retirement age.

Professor Gignac emphasized, "While physical abilities peak during youth, mental abilities deepen and strengthen with age," adding, "Many people fear aging, but there are actually aspects to look forward to as well."