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September 24, 2025
The researchers defined optimal well-being as the absence of severe physical, cognitive, mental, or emotional conditions that interfere with daily functioning, combined with high levels of self-reported physical health, mental well-being, happiness, and overall life satisfaction.
The study focused exclusively on individuals who were in a state of suboptimal well-being at the outset. Their baseline health status was then compared to their condition after the three-year follow-up period to assess whether they had achieved optimal well-being.
The researchers sought to identify factors associated with the likelihood that these older adults would recover. Remarkably, individuals who reported strong psychological and emotional wellness at the outset were over five times more likely to achieve this very high bar of 'optimal well-being' than those who were struggling with psychological well-being at baseline.
Other baseline characteristics significantly associated with recovery included maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding insomnia, refraining from smoking, and participating in social activities.
"It's incredibly encouraging to see that with the right supports and lifestyle, many older adults can reclaim full health, happiness, and independence-even after serious health challenges," says Ho.
The study has important implications: Aging-related policies and programs are needed that prioritize whole-person wellness and acknowledge that recovery is not only possible, but common.
"Too often, the focus in aging research and geriatric practice is on decline and disability," says senior author Esme Fuller-Thomson, Director of the Institute for Life Course & Aging and Professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. "Our findings disrupt that narrative. Older adults can and do bounce back-and we need to build systems that support recovery."