Resilience helps us recover and adapt after stress or illness, and Heather E. Whitson, MD, MHS explains how it changes across the lifespan. In this program, she notes that bounce back slows with age and that people age at different rates, shaped by biology, lifestyle, and environment. That variation matters: the same setback can land differently depending on the body you bring to it and the habits you practice every day.

Whitson connects specific biological signals to real-world recovery. Studies link lower inflammation, stronger cellular health, and emotional well-being to better outcomes, such as regaining mobility after a hip fracture or coping with persistent pain. She also highlights brain changes that begin long before memory problems appear, including the buildup of amyloid and tau proteins. Because those changes start years in advance, prevention and earlier action become especially important.

The good news is that practical steps support resilience at any age. Whitson points to moving your body regularly, favoring a Mediterranean-style diet low in processed foods, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar through midlife. She underscores protecting vision and hearing, staying socially and mentally engaged, and prioritizing adequate sleep. She also calls out avoiding harmful exposures, including toxins, and preventing injuries with simple safeguards like helmets and seat belts. Together, these choices build capacity to adapt, recover, and keep doing what matters.

Watch The Science of Bouncing Back: How Resilience Changes Across the Lifespan.

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