Having Positive Outlook Protects Your Memory as You Age, Study Shows

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA Team. 

A joyful gathering of two African couples, happily connecting. Image credit: Freepik

Have you ever met an older person who, despite the ups and downs of life, still finds joy in small things, speaks with hope and somehow, still remembers names, dates and stories from years ago with ease? It turns out, there's more to that than just “good genes.”

A new 16-year study from the UK has found that having a positive outlook on life could help protect your memory as you age. In a world where forgetfulness is often seen as a normal part of growing older, this research gives a different perspective. It shows that how you feel about your life today can shape how your brain functions as you grow older.

For many Africans, memory loss and conditions like dementia are rarely discussed until it’s too late. This finding is not just one more theory floating around, instead it's backed by science and might change how you think about mental wellbeing and aging.

About the Study

The research was carried out as part of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), a major study that has been following thousands of adults in the UK since 2002. The researchers looked at 10,760 people aged 50 and above, checking in with them every two years for 16 years.

They measured each person's mental wellbeing using a tool called CASP-19, which asks questions about how much control, independence, pleasure and self-worth a person feels in their daily life. They also tested the participants' memory using simple tasks like recalling a list of 10 words after hearing them.

The goal was to see whether there was any connection between how people felt about their lives and how well their memory held up over time. They also made sure that other things like age, health conditions, level of education and even symptoms of depression didn’t affect the results.

What the Study Found

The results showed that people who felt purposeful, in control of their lives and more satisfied tended to have better memory scores in the years that followed. This pattern was not just seen once, it was observed again and again throughout the 16-year period. Every time someone’s sense of wellbeing improved, their memory scores in the following years also improved slightly. It wasn’t a huge change but it was consistent and meaningful.

Interestingly, the reverse was not true. People who performed well in memory tests did not necessarily report feeling happier or more fulfilled later on. This means it’s not just that smart or sharp people are happier, rather, those who feel happier or more fulfilled may actually be protecting their memory without even realising it.

Even when the researchers removed the effect of depression or low mood, the link between mental wellbeing and better memory remained. This suggests that the connection is not simply about avoiding sadness or stress but something deeper about how a positive life outlook influences the brain.

What the Study Means for Africans

For many Africans, especially in middle age, daily life is filled with responsibilities, financial pressures and social expectations. Mental health and wellbeing often take a back seat, sometimes seen as less important than physical health but this study shows why a rethink is needed.

Memory loss is often associated with old age but it can start earlier than many expect and in places where access to healthcare and brain health support is limited, prevention becomes even more important.

This study, which was conducted in non-African population, may well be applicable to Africans even if specific local research is yet to be conducted.

Despite this limitation, it is worthy of note that the study shows that people with improved outlook on life, who  feel useful, are surrounded by supportive relationships and have a sense of control over their lives maintain good memory as they age. Middle-aged Africans would be better served to learn from the study's findings.

Churches, community centres and families can create environments where older adults feel included, respected and useful. Governments and health organisations can include mental wellbeing in publicly organised ageing programmes. Taking steps to do small things like spending time with friends, learning new skills or practising gratitude, will support both mind and memory.

Simple Steps to Improve Your Mental Wellbeing and Memory as You Age

Here are some simple but powerful ways to build a more positive and fulfilling life:

• Connect with others: Regular social interaction helps to reduce loneliness and gives you a sense of belonging.
• Stay active: Physical movement, even walking, improves both mood and brain function.
• Keep learning: Reading, learning a new language or picking up a hobby keeps your mind engaged.
• Focus on purpose: Whether it's mentoring younger people or supporting your family, having a reason to get up every day makes a difference.
• Practice gratitude: Taking time to reflect on what’s going well, even in tough times, helps shift your mindset.

Wrap Up

This long-term study has reinforced the belief that a hopeful and fulfilling life does more than lift your spirits, in fact, it might actually protect your brain health. As Africans, there is a need to talk openly about strengthening mental wellbeing as a way to reducing age related memory decline. The tools available for achieving this are within your reach namely, community, connection and purpose. Adopting and practicing positivity today could be the key to retaining good memory functions as you age.

Source: John A, Desai R, Eshetu A, Willroth E, Marchant N, Woodward-Carlton B, Stott, J.  Wellbeing and memory function: testing bidirectional associations in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Aging & Mental Health, 2025, 1–7. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2025.2468408. Available from here.

Related: 

Simple Health Strategies for Families to Boost Mental Wellness

15 Modifiable Risk Factors of Dementia Africans Need to Know

Published: August 4, 2025

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