Aging Optimism: How Attitudes Toward Aging Relate to Health and Well-Being

In many cultures, including the United States, aging is often framed through a lens of decline — shaped by societal norms that prize youth and vitality. These messages can influence how people imagine their later years, reinforcing the idea that growing older is inherently negative. New AARP research, however, suggests a more nuanced reality.

A new analysis of the AARP 2025 Brain Health, Gender, and Age Study finds that more than two in five adults 35 and older (44%) have a positive view of aging, and these attitudes remain largely consistent across age groups. Rather than becoming more negative with age, views about aging appear to be shaped by lived experiences, health perceptions, and beliefs about well-being — revealing that concern and optimism often coexist.

Key Findings at a Glance

• 44% of adults 35 and older have a positive view of aging, with little variation by age group.
• Personal and family experiences, especially caring for or observing older relatives, are the strongest influences on attitudes toward aging.
• Although health conditions increase with age, more health challenges do not automatically lead to more negative views of aging.
• Adults with a positive view of aging are more likely to rate their physical health and brain health highly.
• Positive attitudes toward aging are associated with better mental well-being and lower levels of depression and anxiety.

“I feel a lot of it [getting old] is in the mind. There are always positives in life.”

— Female, age 71

How People Form Their Views on Aging

When asked what shapes their attitudes toward aging, most adults point to personal and family experiences, particularly caring for or observing parents, grandparents, or other older relatives. These experiences can influence views in different ways: witnessing illness or loss of independence may heighten concern, while seeing older adults remain active and engaged can inspire confidence and hope.

Importantly, while the number of health conditions people report does increase with age, this does not automatically translate into more negative views of aging. Across age groups, the share of adults with a positive view of aging remains relatively stable, suggesting that attitudes are influenced by factors beyond health status alone.

Widespread Worries — But Room for Optimism

Concerns about aging remain common. More than half of adults 35 and older believe quality of life tends to decline with age, and many associate aging with loss or loneliness. At the same time, many adults maintain a hopeful outlook about their own futures, shaped by role models, coping strategies, and personal outlook rather than by age itself.

These mixed attitudes highlight a key insight: aging is not experienced — or perceived — in a single, uniform way.

Why Attitudes Toward Aging Matter

Attitudes about aging are closely linked to how people assess their own health and well-being. Adults with a positive view of aging are substantially more likely to rate both their physical health and brain health as excellent or very good. They also report higher overall mental well-being and lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Together, these findings suggest that how people think about aging may play an important role in shaping not only how they feel emotionally, but how they experience health and cognition as they grow older.

Methodology

This analysis is based on the AARP 2025 Brain Health, Gender, and Age Study, a nationally representative survey of 3,596 adults age 35 and older, fielded by Ipsos between June 17 and June 30, 2025. Data were weighted using benchmarks from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey and American Community Survey.

For more information, please contact Laura Mehegan at lmehegan@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.