The study points to familiar but powerful factors: physical activity, healthy weight, regular sleep, and emotional and social ties. Psychological strength at the outset was a particularly strong predictor, increasing the odds of recovery several fold. These findings matter because they treat wellbeing as dynamic and responsive, not fixed, which opens the door for targeted actions and public programs that help people regain a flourishing life.
For anyone thinking about aging, caregiving, or policy, the question becomes how to design environments and services that strengthen those protective factors. The full article explores the specific pathways and implications for equitable support, offering clues about how communities can promote recovery and broaden access to the conditions that foster human potential.
A University of Toronto study found that nearly one in four adults aged 60+ who reported poor well-being were able to regain optimal wellness within three years. The research highlights that physical activity, healthy weight, good sleep, and emotional and social support play crucial roles in recovery. Those with strong psychological wellness at the start were five times more likely to bounce back.