Claire Taubert

It is no secret that as we grow older, our physical health and capacity change—and in some cases decline. Interestingly, our mental health often improves. Measures of contentedness, happiness and well-being increase over the lifespan, despite a decrease in physical ability for some. Sociological research shows that older people generally feel happier and more contented. We also tend to face stress with more equanimity than when we were younger.

Could this positive shift be influenced by having grown wiser?

Research suggests that even chronic mental health issues such as schizophrenia and major depression may remit in later life. While not true for everyone, there are enough examples to suggest significant mental health improvements as we age—perhaps related to the gaining of wisdom.

Given the commonly held negative beliefs about ageing, it’s worth reflecting on the possible evolutionary value of getting older. Darwin’s survival of the fittest implies that we survive only as long as we can procreate. In the wild, most animals die soon after losing fertility—except our domesticated companions.

Human lifespan, however, has steadily increased over centuries, but our reproductive capacity hasn’t. Menopause and andropause typically arrive between ages 45 and 55. Despite this, many people now live well into their 90s and beyond. So why does nature allow us to live long after our fertility ends?

One sociological hypothesis is that ageing brings wisdom, and that this compensates for the loss of reproductive value. If so, what is wisdom, and what are the benefits of having wise elders in society?

Let’s begin with a few classical perspectives:

  • Aristotle believed in two kinds of wisdom: theoretical (truth-seeking about things we can’t change) and practical (making good choices about things we can change).
  • Confucius said we learn wisdom in three ways: by reflection (the noblest), imitation (the easiest), and experience (the bitterest).
  • Socrates claimed, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing,” suggesting wisdom includes recognising the limits of our knowledge.

While wisdom has traditionally belonged to philosophy and religion, more recent empirical research suggests it may also have a biological basis. Let’s consider six key behaviours researchers associate with wisdom:

1. Self-reflection
This is the ability to examine your inner life and understand your emotional responses. Why are you upset, angry, joyful? Why did you say or do that? Over time, this awareness builds self-knowledge and supports wiser actions.

2. Pro-social behaviour
These are actions taken for the good of others: empathy, compassion, altruism, and cooperation. Wisdom includes making decisions that benefit the common good. I believe this is the most vital element of wisdom—it often defines the difference between wise and unwise action.

3. Emotional regulation
This is the ability to feel strong emotions—upset, anger, fear—without reacting impulsively. It means recognising your emotions, choosing whether and how to express them, and considering the impact on others.

4. Acceptance of uncertainty and diverse perspectives
This requires intellectual humility—the recognition that your knowledge is limited and that other people may see the world differently. It involves curiosity rather than judgement and comfort with ambiguity rather than a rush to label things right or wrong.

5. Decisiveness
Despite this tolerance for uncertainty, wisdom includes the ability to act decisively. It means not avoiding decisions, even when others disagree. It’s the conviction to act on what you believe to be true and right.

6. Spirituality
Spirituality is a belief in something greater than oneself that gives meaning and purpose to life. It may involve religion, but not necessarily. It might be a connection to nature, consciousness, soulfulness, or a guiding philosophy.

These components appear consistently across cultures and historical eras. Interestingly, brain research shows that both the ancient limbic system and the newer prefrontal cortex play key roles in these behaviours. This suggests that wisdom is not purely philosophical—it’s also biological, emotional, cultural, and psychological.

Wisdom enhances life not only for the older person but for the community as a whole. One striking example is the “grandmother hypothesis.” Research published in Nature and Science shows that when grandmothers help care for their grandchildren, three generations benefit: they all live longer and report higher happiness. Children raised with involved grandparents have fewer behavioural and mental health issues.

So while ageing brings losses, it may also bring gains that evolution has quietly protected. Recognising and valuing the wisdom in our elders could be one of the most powerful ways to improve our collective well-being.

Claire Taubert is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist at Springs Medical.