Contrary to popular belief, getting older does not necessarily mean losing your intellectual abilities. However, many people consider themselves to be in cerebral decline once they are over forty. The world of work does not spare fifty-year-olds either, who often struggle to find a job.
The brain is at its peak at 55
A new study, published in the journal Intelligencecould change the situation. Researchers from the University of Western Australia analyzed 16 psychological dimensions, such as memory, reasoning, emotional stability, professional conscience and even emotional intelligence with volunteers. Result: certain traits continue to improve well after middle age.
According to the authors, people aged 55 to 60 are at their best at solving complex problems, making informed decisions and leading teams. An age far from the peak of an individual’s physical capabilities, who find themselves in their thirties.
Capabilities that continue to evolve, subsequently
And these are not the only qualities that develop late in life. Still according to scientists, professional conscientiousness reaches its peak around age 65, emotional stability around age 75 and the ability to resist cognitive biases – mental shortcuts that can lead us to make irrational or less judicious decisions – even goes up to age 80!
“When we look beyond raw processing power, a different picture emerges. Our decisions, empathy and judgment strengthen with age” estimates Professor Gilles Gignac, lead author of the study.
Fluid or crystallized intelligence, different but complementary
Researchers also distinguish two forms of intelligence, which explains this observation.
- Fluid intelligencewhich corresponds to the speed of reasoning and processing new information, peaks in the twenties;
- Crystallized intelligencebased on experience, knowledge and wisdom, continues to grow throughout life.
In other words, if our reflexes slow down, our ability to analyze complex situations, understand others and make good decisions becomes stronger.
This development explains why many senior positions are occupied by people in their fifties or sixties, and more rarely by younger people.
A golden age for judgment and creativity
Finally, this scientific vision is reflected in History: Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species at 50 when Beethoven composed his Ninth Symphony at 53.
Yet, despite these prestigious examples, older workers still face obstacles and prejudices. The authors of the study insist: hiring or promotion decisions should be based on actual skills, not age.
Far from being a countdown, middle age could well represent the peak of our intellectual and emotional capacities. A true golden age for the mind, judgment and creativity, in short.