Healthy Aging & Longevity

Cognitive & Emotional Wellness

Healthy aging includes how we think, learn, remember, move, feel, and connect with others. Cognitive and emotional wellness are influenced by physical health, social engagement, sleep, activity, mood, and many other factors.

Key Ideas

Support Brain Health

Managing physical health conditions and staying active can support overall brain health.

Stay Connected

Meaningful social engagement can support well-being and may be associated with better cognitive health.

Take Mood Seriously

Persistent depression, anxiety, or major changes in behavior deserve professional attention.

What Cognitive Health Means

Cognitive health includes the ability to think, learn, remember, plan, and perform everyday tasks. Brain health also includes movement, emotional function, sensory function, and other abilities.

Physical Health and the Brain

High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke, depression, hearing loss, medication effects, and other medical factors can influence cognitive function. Managing overall health is an important part of brain health.

Activity, Learning, and Engagement

Physical activity, mentally engaging activities, hobbies, learning, volunteering, and social connection can contribute to well-being. Evidence for specific commercial “brain training” products is more limited than marketing may imply.

Emotional Wellness and Social Connection

Loneliness, isolation, grief, depression, and chronic stress can affect quality of life and health. Maintaining supportive relationships and seeking help when mood symptoms persist are important parts of healthy aging.

When to Talk With a Healthcare Professional

Talk with a healthcare professional if you notice new or worsening memory problems, confusion, changes in judgment, depression, anxiety, sleep changes, difficulty managing daily activities, or sudden changes in thinking or behavior. Sudden confusion or stroke-like symptoms require urgent evaluation.

Sources & Further Reading

Medical information notice: This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Recommendations may differ based on age, medical history, medications, pregnancy status, laboratory results, and other individual factors.