Experts Explore New Perspectives on Aging as Lifespans Increase

Scholars challenge assumptions about old age and highlight ways to age well physically, cognitively, and psychologically.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:08pm

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As Americans live longer and healthier lives, experts are rethinking what it means to age. Researchers examine the historical medical view of frailty in older adults, the biological factors that influence exceptional longevity, and the importance of staying engaged and curious as we get older. They emphasize that with the right lifestyle choices and societal support, the later years can be a vibrant and fulfilling phase of life.

Why it matters

Understanding the evolving nature of aging is crucial as the U.S. population continues to age. Challenging outdated stereotypes about older adults and exploring new models for healthy aging can help more people live longer, more active, and meaningful lives in their later years.

The details

Maud Jansen, an M.D.-Ph.D. candidate at Harvard, studies the history of how medical views of "frailty" in older adults have shaped care and outcomes. Before the 19th century, the dominant view was one of inevitable decay, leading to neglect. The 20th century brought new frameworks like retirement and ageism awareness, but Jansen says society still hasn't fully carved out good roles for robust older adults. William Mair, a professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School, says researchers are focused on helping more people reach extreme longevity like Jeanne Calment, the oldest verified person, with their health intact. Factors like diet, exercise, and socioeconomic status can dramatically influence the rate of biological aging. Nancy Donovan, a Harvard psychiatry professor, warns that withdrawal from work and social engagement can accelerate cognitive and physical decline, emphasizing the importance of staying curious and engaged as we age.

  • Jeanne Louise Calment, who died in 1997, is the oldest person in history whose age has been verified at 122 years old.
  • In 2007, there was a 33-year difference in life expectancy between the Boston neighborhoods of Back Bay and Roxbury, which has since improved to a 23-year gap.

The players

Maud Jansen

An M.D.-Ph.D. candidate in Harvard's Department of the History of Science who studies the history of medical views on frailty in older adults.

William Mair

A professor of molecular metabolism at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health who researches the biology of exceptional aging.

Nancy Donovan

A Harvard Medical School associate professor of psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the director of the Neuropsychiatry of Aging Research Group.

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What they’re saying

“It's thorny, because in a way we have to accept that people get older and might have bad outcomes. But then again, are we sure?”

— Maud Jansen, M.D.-Ph.D. candidate

“Aging is something that you can speed up and slow down through policy, through drugs and genetics, through things like exercise and healthy food. It doesn't mean we can all live to 150, but it does mean that there are things we can do.”

— William Mair, Professor of molecular metabolism

“Disengagement may precipitate further decline.”

— Nancy Donovan, Associate professor of psychiatry

What’s next

Researchers will continue to study the biological factors and lifestyle choices that influence healthy longevity, as well as ways to better support the psychological and social needs of older adults.

The takeaway

As Americans live longer, the concept of "old age" is evolving. Experts emphasize that with the right mindset, habits, and societal support, the later years can be a vibrant and fulfilling phase of life, challenging outdated stereotypes about aging.