What Doesn’t Kill You Might Just Help You Age Better

A geriatrician has made an interesting observation about a common trait among her older patients — and it’s not about having a specific diet or taking costly supplements.

Dr. Stephanie Rogers notes that these patients tend to avoid one particularly comfortable state.

“The healthiest individuals I see in their 80s and 90s consistently steer clear of one thing throughout their lives, and that’s comfort,” she shared in a TikTok video. “If you want to age well, it’s important to resist comfort and continuously try new experiences.”

This insight is grounded in a scientific idea known as hormesis. Essentially, it suggests that small doses of stress can actually lead to beneficial adjustments in the body, while larger doses can be detrimental.

“You want to push yourself just enough to adapt without overdoing it and causing harm,” Rogers elaborated.

This mild, controlled stress helps develop resilience, making both the body and brain more prepared for future challenges. However, it’s important to note that hormesis isn’t necessarily a guaranteed method for extending lifespan. Most research indicates it contributes more to health during aging rather than increasing longevity directly.

Experts suggest that regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are still the most effective methods for promoting a longer life.

Everyday examples of hormesis include weight training, which causes tiny muscle tears that signal the body to rebuild stronger, or consuming certain plant compounds like resveratrol found in grapes and berries and sulforaphane found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. These mild toxins can activate the body’s natural defenses against oxidative stress and inflammation.

When it comes to physical health, Rogers advises constantly challenging your body in a variety of ways. “To ensure you age well physically, aim to experiment with new movements and exercises,” she suggests. For instance, longtime runners might explore yoga, while dedicated weightlifters could integrate balance and mobility routines.

Such variety may be beneficial. A recent study found that engaging in a wider range of physical activities was associated with a 19% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to sticking with the same exercise regimen.

The same concept applies to mental health.

Rogers encourages picking up new skills, finding new hobbies, or expanding one’s social network. “Surround yourself with new people and engage in conversations about unfamiliar topics,” she says.

Learning a new language could be particularly advantageous. Research presented at the 2026 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum indicated that even individuals who start learning a second language later in life may experience a slowdown in age-related cognitive decline.

“There’s no definitive age limit where learning a second language stops being beneficial,” Dr. Tommy Wood, a neuroscientist, points out.

He highlights various studies where older adults showed improvements in attention, working memory, and executive function after only a few months of language study. Learning new things can also bolster social connections while enhancing the brain’s adaptability and capacity for new information.

“Making mistakes is key to neuroplasticity and learning,” Wood noted. “If you decide to dive into learning a new language, accept the challenges and embrace the occasional misstep. You might actually learn more effectively this way.”