Study Finds Mental, Emotional Intelligence Peak Around Age 60

The thinking process does slow down as people age, but everything else sharpens.

By Matt Case 

A new study suggests people may reach their peak mental and emotional abilities at around age 60.

Researchers found that while physical strength begins to decline after the mid-20s, intelligence, emotional awareness, personality stability, and decision-making skills continue to improve for decades—culminating in a high point near 60.

Although the speed of thinking tends to slow with age, the study indicates that wisdom, judgment, and emotional regulation sharpen over time.

The findings were published in the journal Intelligence.