New research indicates people reach their overall mental and emotional peak around age 60, challenging assumptions about youth being optimal. Scientists studied nine psychological constructs across 16 dimensions including intelligence, personality, and decision-making skills. Their study found composite functioning continues developing through midlife despite declining processing speed. The research suggests adults between 40 and 65 show the best combination of accumulated knowledge, emotional regulation, and judgment. Real-world data supports this, with people earning highest salaries between ages 50-55 and political leaders commonly elected in their mid-50s to early 60s. After age 65-70, average scores decline, though individual variation remains significant. (Story URL)

PHONE TOPIC: Do you feel like you have reached your mental peak yet?