How our brains change at 66 and 83 and what it means for us, received from Saga, 2026 02 03
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Colin Howard
Feb 3, 2026, 6:10:16 PMFeb 3
to post AVIP list
Greetings,
Now I am on the way to reaching 77, I can well appreciate how my mental
accuity has changed. I take the point we are all different and develop at
varying rates.
Experts have discovered the two key ages at which our brain changes in later
life - we examine the science and how to best look after our grey matter as
we get older.
By Emma Lazenby | Published - 2 Feb 2026
Much like our bodies, our brains operate differently as we get older. We
notice changes in how we think and function, which could be a decline in
lightning-fast decision making or our ability to multitask with aplomb.
But the changes are not quite as gradual as we think, with neuroscientists
at the University of Cambridge identifying five "major epochs" of brain
structure over the course of human life. They found our brains re-configure
to support different ways of thinking as we mature and move through life's
chapters.
But when and how do these shifts occur? The neuroscience study Topological
turning points across the human lifespan identified ages 66 and 83 as key
times of change in later life (ages nine and 32 were identified as being
pivotal in early life).
Although some people will reach these milestones earlier or later than
others, the researchers reported, it was striking to see just how clearly
these ages stood out in the data.
The study compared the brains of 3,800 people aged between zero and 90 years
old, using MRI scans to track neural connections. "This study is the first
to identify major phases of brain wiring across a human lifespan," says Dr
Alexa Mousley, lead author of the research.
"These eras provide important context for what our brains might be best at,
or more vulnerable to, at different stages of our lives," she adds
The study found our brains re-configure as we get older
The five eras of our brains
1. Childhood brain, birth to age nine
While the young brain is growing and developing quickly, it fine-tunes
itself by whittling down the billions of neurons (connections) it's born
with. The brain holds on to the connections it uses the most and gets rid of
the rest in order to operate more efficiently.
This re-wiring follows a similar pattern up until age nine, when it settles
into its final shape, with stronger thinking skills and a higher level of
ability and organisation. However, this is when mental-health
vulnerabilities can start to appear.
2. Adolescent brain, age nine to 32
Efficiency and organisation increase in adolescence, a period the study
suggests is much longer than we've previously thought in terms of brain
development.
The organ communicates faster and more smoothly throughout this time,
maturing through the teens and 20s and peaking in the early 30s.
"Around the age of 32, we see the most directional changes in wiring and the
largest overall shift in trajectory, compared to all the other turning
points," explains Dr Mousley.
"Based purely on neural architecture, we found adolescent-like changes in
brain structure end around the early 30s."
3. Adult brain, age 32 to 66
Up next is a period of stability as the brain enters its longest era, more
than three decades. The rate of change is slower here and "aligns with a
plateau of intelligence and personality," according to Dr Mousley, which
will resonate with many of us.
The processing speed of the brain very slowly declines as 'grey matter'
(where thinking and processing happen) thins slightly, affecting memory and
attention and 'white matter' (which helps these areas talk to each other)
becomes a little less robust, which can slow down our reactions.
While the brain has formerly acted as a whole, now it becomes increasingly
separated with specialised areas acting more independently. It's a bit like
a busy kitchen where each chef has their own station, with one chopping,
another preparing sauces and so on. They function very closely when required
but largely operate separately to make the whole meal work.
The rate of change is slower between the ages of 32 and 66
4. Early ageing brain, age 66 to 83
This epoch signals further steady shifts in the patterns of connections in
the brain. The 'turning point' at age 66 isn't defined by any major
structural shifts, but researchers did find meaningful changes to the wiring
of the brain at this age.
"The data suggests, a gradual reorganisation of brain networks culminates in
the mid-60s," says Dr Mousley. "This is probably related to ageing, with
further reduced connectivity as white matter starts to degenerate."
Researchers looked at healthy brains during the study, but, as Dr Mousley
explains: "This is an age when people face increased risk for a variety of
health conditions that can affect the brain, such as hypertension."
5. Late ageing brain, 83+
The study's authors say, while the data for this era is limited, a defining
feature was identified at around age 83, with a further shift from
whole-brain communication towards a heavier reliance on specialised regions.
This includes the temporal lobe for hearing and memory and the prefrontal
cortex for planning and decision making.
Senior author of the study Professor Duncan Astle says: "Looking back, many
of us feel that our lives have been characterised by different phases. It
turns out, brains also go through these eras.
"Many neurodevelopmental, mental health and neurological conditions are
linked to the way the brain is wired. Indeed, differences in brain wiring
predict difficulties with attention, language, memory and a whole host of
different behaviours."
What brain changes at 66 and 83 mean for us
Neuroscientist Dr Rachel Taylor says, she sees many positives in the study's
findings from the 'late ageing brain' era and that she isn't surprised by
some of the results.
At 66, your brain rebalances
"The data clearly illustrated two things that we see consistently in later
life," Dr Taylor explains. "At age 66, you see the nervous system shifting
into a phase of consolidation, people become more selective, more efficient
and more anchored in what truly matters.
"That's a predictable outcome of how the prefrontal cortex (the 'control
centre' which helps you think, plan and control your behaviour) and the
limbic system (the brain's 'feel and react' system) rebalance with age."
At 83, your brain starts conserving energy
Dr Taylor adds: "By age 83, what stands out is not decline but refinement.
The brain becomes extraordinarily good at conserving energy, prioritising
emotional meaning and drawing on accumulated pattern recognition. It's a
stage defined less by loss and more by distilled wisdom.
"So, while the findings were not new to me, they were a beautiful
confirmation of something I have seen repeatedly in research and in
practice, the brain doesn't simply age; it adapts, economises and, in many
ways, becomes more itself."
The 'separate' functioning of the brain's regions after 66
The study revealed, in the latter stages of the 'adult' phase of brain
development, there is a significant shift away from the brain acting as a
whole. But why does this happen and what does it mean for our everyday
functioning?
"As we age, large-scale networks become slightly less globally synchronised
and instead, you see tighter, more efficient local clustering," explains Dr
Taylor.
"The brain stops trying to run every process through every network and
instead relies on specialised circuits which have been refined over a
lifetime. It is a predictable, adaptive change.
"I would describe it as the orchestra becoming more disciplined; fewer
unnecessary flourishes, more precision and a greater reliance on
well-practised sections working together. It is a normal part of
neurodevelopment across the lifespan."
How can we take care of our brains?
Meaningful social connection can help to preserve the brain
To truly nurture our brains is to acknowledge the importance of daily
habits, simple pleasures and the intricate relationship between healthy
bodies and minds, advises Dr Taylor: "The brain is a metabolic organ and its
function depends on the quality of the body's internal environment,
cardiovascular health, inflammation, sleep, movement, nutrition and social
connection.
"When the body is supported, the brain has the conditions it needs to
adapt, repair and stay coherent across the lifespan."
In later life, the most protective acts of self-care for our brains are
"beautifully ordinary", says Dr Taylor.
"Good sleep, movement, nutrition, emotional safety and meaningful social
connection.
"But equally important is novelty. The brain is an adaptive organ, it needs
newness, complexity and purpose to stay flexible. Learning new skills,
engaging with unfamiliar environments and staying curious all help to
maintain neural plasticity."
She adds that there is no quick fix to a healthy, nurtured mind in later
life. We simply have to look after ourselves with consistent lifestyle
routines. "Self-responsibility is key. There is no magic pill, no single
supplement or 'brain hack' that replaces the cumulative effect of daily
habits."
Keeping active and finding calm and joy in our daily lives can also work
wonders, Dr Taylor says: "Brain health is built through the rhythms of a
life well lived: stable routines, supportive relationships and a willingness
to keep growing. So, my recommendation is simple but profound: treat your
brain as part of your whole system, not as an isolated organ.
"Give it nourishment, movement, rest, novelty and connection. Those are the
conditions which support brain health at every age and they matter even more
as we grow older."
Written by: Emma Lazenby
Emma Lazenby is entering her third decade in journalism, after starting her
reporting career on the Yorkshire Evening Post as a teenager.
She's loved every minute, with contributions to the Sun, Daily Telegraph and
women's magazines, between stints as a Lifestyle Editor for the Press
Association and TV Producer for GMTV and Steph's Packed Lunch.
Emma has covered mental and physical health, charity campaigns, fashion and
beauty, travel, food and parenting with celebrity and inspirational
real-life interviews featuring heavily.
Colin Howard, living in Southern England.
Now I am on the way to reaching 77, I can well appreciate how my mental
accuity has changed. I take the point we are all different and develop at
varying rates.
Experts have discovered the two key ages at which our brain changes in later
life - we examine the science and how to best look after our grey matter as
we get older.
By Emma Lazenby | Published - 2 Feb 2026
Much like our bodies, our brains operate differently as we get older. We
notice changes in how we think and function, which could be a decline in
lightning-fast decision making or our ability to multitask with aplomb.
But the changes are not quite as gradual as we think, with neuroscientists
at the University of Cambridge identifying five "major epochs" of brain
structure over the course of human life. They found our brains re-configure
to support different ways of thinking as we mature and move through life's
chapters.
But when and how do these shifts occur? The neuroscience study Topological
turning points across the human lifespan identified ages 66 and 83 as key
times of change in later life (ages nine and 32 were identified as being
pivotal in early life).
Although some people will reach these milestones earlier or later than
others, the researchers reported, it was striking to see just how clearly
these ages stood out in the data.
The study compared the brains of 3,800 people aged between zero and 90 years
old, using MRI scans to track neural connections. "This study is the first
to identify major phases of brain wiring across a human lifespan," says Dr
Alexa Mousley, lead author of the research.
"These eras provide important context for what our brains might be best at,
or more vulnerable to, at different stages of our lives," she adds
The study found our brains re-configure as we get older
The five eras of our brains
1. Childhood brain, birth to age nine
While the young brain is growing and developing quickly, it fine-tunes
itself by whittling down the billions of neurons (connections) it's born
with. The brain holds on to the connections it uses the most and gets rid of
the rest in order to operate more efficiently.
This re-wiring follows a similar pattern up until age nine, when it settles
into its final shape, with stronger thinking skills and a higher level of
ability and organisation. However, this is when mental-health
vulnerabilities can start to appear.
2. Adolescent brain, age nine to 32
Efficiency and organisation increase in adolescence, a period the study
suggests is much longer than we've previously thought in terms of brain
development.
The organ communicates faster and more smoothly throughout this time,
maturing through the teens and 20s and peaking in the early 30s.
"Around the age of 32, we see the most directional changes in wiring and the
largest overall shift in trajectory, compared to all the other turning
points," explains Dr Mousley.
"Based purely on neural architecture, we found adolescent-like changes in
brain structure end around the early 30s."
3. Adult brain, age 32 to 66
Up next is a period of stability as the brain enters its longest era, more
than three decades. The rate of change is slower here and "aligns with a
plateau of intelligence and personality," according to Dr Mousley, which
will resonate with many of us.
The processing speed of the brain very slowly declines as 'grey matter'
(where thinking and processing happen) thins slightly, affecting memory and
attention and 'white matter' (which helps these areas talk to each other)
becomes a little less robust, which can slow down our reactions.
While the brain has formerly acted as a whole, now it becomes increasingly
separated with specialised areas acting more independently. It's a bit like
a busy kitchen where each chef has their own station, with one chopping,
another preparing sauces and so on. They function very closely when required
but largely operate separately to make the whole meal work.
The rate of change is slower between the ages of 32 and 66
4. Early ageing brain, age 66 to 83
This epoch signals further steady shifts in the patterns of connections in
the brain. The 'turning point' at age 66 isn't defined by any major
structural shifts, but researchers did find meaningful changes to the wiring
of the brain at this age.
"The data suggests, a gradual reorganisation of brain networks culminates in
the mid-60s," says Dr Mousley. "This is probably related to ageing, with
further reduced connectivity as white matter starts to degenerate."
Researchers looked at healthy brains during the study, but, as Dr Mousley
explains: "This is an age when people face increased risk for a variety of
health conditions that can affect the brain, such as hypertension."
5. Late ageing brain, 83+
The study's authors say, while the data for this era is limited, a defining
feature was identified at around age 83, with a further shift from
whole-brain communication towards a heavier reliance on specialised regions.
This includes the temporal lobe for hearing and memory and the prefrontal
cortex for planning and decision making.
Senior author of the study Professor Duncan Astle says: "Looking back, many
of us feel that our lives have been characterised by different phases. It
turns out, brains also go through these eras.
"Many neurodevelopmental, mental health and neurological conditions are
linked to the way the brain is wired. Indeed, differences in brain wiring
predict difficulties with attention, language, memory and a whole host of
different behaviours."
What brain changes at 66 and 83 mean for us
Neuroscientist Dr Rachel Taylor says, she sees many positives in the study's
findings from the 'late ageing brain' era and that she isn't surprised by
some of the results.
At 66, your brain rebalances
"The data clearly illustrated two things that we see consistently in later
life," Dr Taylor explains. "At age 66, you see the nervous system shifting
into a phase of consolidation, people become more selective, more efficient
and more anchored in what truly matters.
"That's a predictable outcome of how the prefrontal cortex (the 'control
centre' which helps you think, plan and control your behaviour) and the
limbic system (the brain's 'feel and react' system) rebalance with age."
At 83, your brain starts conserving energy
Dr Taylor adds: "By age 83, what stands out is not decline but refinement.
The brain becomes extraordinarily good at conserving energy, prioritising
emotional meaning and drawing on accumulated pattern recognition. It's a
stage defined less by loss and more by distilled wisdom.
"So, while the findings were not new to me, they were a beautiful
confirmation of something I have seen repeatedly in research and in
practice, the brain doesn't simply age; it adapts, economises and, in many
ways, becomes more itself."
The 'separate' functioning of the brain's regions after 66
The study revealed, in the latter stages of the 'adult' phase of brain
development, there is a significant shift away from the brain acting as a
whole. But why does this happen and what does it mean for our everyday
functioning?
"As we age, large-scale networks become slightly less globally synchronised
and instead, you see tighter, more efficient local clustering," explains Dr
Taylor.
"The brain stops trying to run every process through every network and
instead relies on specialised circuits which have been refined over a
lifetime. It is a predictable, adaptive change.
"I would describe it as the orchestra becoming more disciplined; fewer
unnecessary flourishes, more precision and a greater reliance on
well-practised sections working together. It is a normal part of
neurodevelopment across the lifespan."
How can we take care of our brains?
Meaningful social connection can help to preserve the brain
To truly nurture our brains is to acknowledge the importance of daily
habits, simple pleasures and the intricate relationship between healthy
bodies and minds, advises Dr Taylor: "The brain is a metabolic organ and its
function depends on the quality of the body's internal environment,
cardiovascular health, inflammation, sleep, movement, nutrition and social
connection.
"When the body is supported, the brain has the conditions it needs to
adapt, repair and stay coherent across the lifespan."
In later life, the most protective acts of self-care for our brains are
"beautifully ordinary", says Dr Taylor.
"Good sleep, movement, nutrition, emotional safety and meaningful social
connection.
"But equally important is novelty. The brain is an adaptive organ, it needs
newness, complexity and purpose to stay flexible. Learning new skills,
engaging with unfamiliar environments and staying curious all help to
maintain neural plasticity."
She adds that there is no quick fix to a healthy, nurtured mind in later
life. We simply have to look after ourselves with consistent lifestyle
routines. "Self-responsibility is key. There is no magic pill, no single
supplement or 'brain hack' that replaces the cumulative effect of daily
habits."
Keeping active and finding calm and joy in our daily lives can also work
wonders, Dr Taylor says: "Brain health is built through the rhythms of a
life well lived: stable routines, supportive relationships and a willingness
to keep growing. So, my recommendation is simple but profound: treat your
brain as part of your whole system, not as an isolated organ.
"Give it nourishment, movement, rest, novelty and connection. Those are the
conditions which support brain health at every age and they matter even more
as we grow older."
Written by: Emma Lazenby
Emma Lazenby is entering her third decade in journalism, after starting her
reporting career on the Yorkshire Evening Post as a teenager.
She's loved every minute, with contributions to the Sun, Daily Telegraph and
women's magazines, between stints as a Lifestyle Editor for the Press
Association and TV Producer for GMTV and Steph's Packed Lunch.
Emma has covered mental and physical health, charity campaigns, fashion and
beauty, travel, food and parenting with celebrity and inspirational
real-life interviews featuring heavily.
Colin Howard, living in Southern England.
mj.ba...@gmail.com
Feb 4, 2026, 6:44:15 AMFeb 4
to avip...@googlegroups.com
Thanks for this, Colin. I thought it was really interesting.
I'm happy to receive such messages at any time. Unlike dave, I don't wish to be bombarded monthly by a host of long messages to read. I prefer one at a time, and if I can't read them straightaway I ca\n keep them until I have time.
Referring specifically to this message, I only have a year and two months until I become wise and organised to the maximum!
Mike
--
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To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/avipworld/027d01dc9562%243f3f29f0%240d01a8c0%40Colin1.
I'm happy to receive such messages at any time. Unlike dave, I don't wish to be bombarded monthly by a host of long messages to read. I prefer one at a time, and if I can't read them straightaway I ca\n keep them until I have time.
Referring specifically to this message, I only have a year and two months until I become wise and organised to the maximum!
Mike
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AVIP" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to avipworld+...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/avipworld/027d01dc9562%243f3f29f0%240d01a8c0%40Colin1.
Colin Howard
Feb 4, 2026, 9:10:30 AMFeb 4
to avip...@googlegroups.com
Mike,
I am pleased at your positive response re: comments about messages and yes,
your comments concerning reaching the age of 83!
Colin Howard, living in Southern England.
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/avipworld/002101dc95cb%24942d9ff0%24bc88dfd0%24%40gmail.com.
I am pleased at your positive response re: comments about messages and yes,
your comments concerning reaching the age of 83!
Colin Howard, living in Southern England.
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