Women are more optimistic about aging—until memory problems emerge

by Australian Catholic University

edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin

Sadie Harley

Scientific Editor

Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process

Andrew Zinin

Chief Editor

Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process Editors' notes

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

trusted source

proofread

The GIST Add to Preferred Sources

A study, published in the Journal of Women & Aging, found memory complaints were linked to negative expectations about aging in people with mild cognitive impairment as well as cognitively healthy adults.

Lead author Dr. Yvonne Leung, from ACU's School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, said people with mild cognitive impairment had more negative expectations about aging than those without.

She said the findings highlighted the close relationship between how people experienced changes in their memory and how they viewed the aging process.

Concerns about memory were closely linked to less positive views of growing older.

"Many people notice changes in their memory and quietly wonder what it means for getting older, and our findings show how closely those experiences are tied to views of aging," Leung said.

Leung said the findings show expectations about aging are not simply about attitudes toward getting older.

Previous research has linked more positive views of aging with better physical and mental health, stronger cognitive health and longer life expectancy.

"How we expect to age is linked to real outcomes," Leung said.

"More positive views of aging are associated with better physical and mental health, better cognitive health and a longer life, while negative views may lower confidence and motivation for seeking help or engaging in brain-healthy activities and raise stress."

She said those who worried more about their memory were also more likely to expect poorer health and cognitive function as they aged.

"Negative expectations can undermine confidence and motivation to seek help or engage in activities that support brain health," Leung said.

Unlike some established risk factors for cognitive decline, she said expectations about aging can potentially be changed, making them a possible target for early intervention.

"The findings could also help clinicians and community programs identify people who may benefit from more tailored support, particularly as attitudes toward aging appear to differ according to both gender and cognitive status," she said.

"Understanding that relationship could help determine whether changing perceptions of aging should form part of strategies to support cognitive health as people grow older."

More information

Yvonne Leung et al., Gender differences in the associations between cognition and expectations regarding aging, Journal of Women & Aging (2026). DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2026.2707245

Key medical concepts

Mild Cognitive ImpairmentAging

Clinical categories

Healthy agingNeurologyPsychology & Mental healthPsychiatry Provided by Australian Catholic University Who's behind this story?

Sadie Harley

BSc Life Sciences & Ecology. Microbiology lab background with pharmaceutical news experience in oil, gas, and renewable industries. Full profile →

Andrew Zinin

Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →

Citation: Women are more optimistic about aging—until memory problems emerge (2026, October 23) retrieved 23 October 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-10-women-optimistic-aging-memory-problems.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.