# 70 is the new 60, and science proves it

> People in their seventies now have the physical and mental abilities of sixty-year-olds from two decades ago.
- Title: 70 is the new 60, and science proves it · Psychologies
- Summary: People in their seventies now have the physical and mental abilities of sixty-year-olds from two decades ago. Seventy-year-olds today have the capabilities…
- Keywords: aging, intrinsic capacity, bruno vellas, geriatrics, preventive medicine, icope monitor, world health organization, longevity, cognitive health, physical health, science, proves
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/bien-etre/sante/Les-personnes-de-70-ans-auraient-gagne-10-ans-en-seulement-deux-decennies-sur-cet-indicateur-essentiel-du-vieillissement-640032
- Author: Nina Parage
- Published: 2026-09-17T05:02:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: aging, intrinsic capacity, bruno vellas, geriatrics, preventive medicine, icope monitor, world health organization, longevity, cognitive health, physical health
## Seventy is the new sixty
A 70-year-old today has the physical and cognitive abilities of a 60-year-old from 20 years ago, according to geriatrician Bruno Vellas.

> nos 70 ans ressemblent aujourd'hui aux 60 ans d'une génération plus tôt
## Research confirms the trend
A study of over 14,700 British and Chinese participants since the early 2000s shows a person born in 1950 has better intrinsic capacity at 68 than someone born in 1940 at 62.
## Memory, mobility, and vitality improve
The biggest gains appear in memory, mobility, and vitality. These improvements show up equally in men and women across England and China.
## Better healthcare slows aging
Advances in heart disease treatment, declining smoking rates, and wider access to prevention mean our biological clock ticks slower than before.
## ICOPE Monitor catches problems early
Bruno Vellas created ICOPE Monitor with the World Health Organization. Starting at age 50, it screens six key functions: mobility, cognition, nutrition, mood, hearing, and vision.
## Real-world results show promise
In France's Occitanie region, over 10,900 people aged 60+ were screened between 2020 and 2021, with 70% following up at six months. The goal is to reach two million people by 2027.
## Key takeaway

Seventy-year-olds today have the capabilities of sixty-year-olds from 20 years ago, thanks to better healthcare and prevention.