The Surprising Truth About Neuroplasticity in Aging Populations

A common question we get daily in our mentorship group:   Is it too late to change the brain once we’re past a certain age?

The short answer is no, and that change happens as fast as you can snap your fingers.  Here is the back story of what we used to think and what science tells us now. 

For years, it was widely believed that the human brain stopped evolving and changing once it reached maturity. The prevailing thought was that by the time we hit our mid-20s, our capacity for learning and adaptation had largely been set in stone.

But what if that belief is holding your clients—and even your practice—back?

For years, it was widely believed that neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself—declined sharply after adulthood. If you weren't fortunate enough to excel in your youth, conventional wisdom suggested you'd missed your opportunity to reach peak cognitive and physical function.

However modern neuroscience has disproven these myths and proven that the brain retains its plasticity throughout life, even in the later years.

This shift in understanding has an enormous upside for trainers, therapists, and health professionals working with aging clients. It provides a powerful toolkit for reversing cognitive decline, enhancing physical capabilities, and offering older adults a path to genuine transformation.

Let’s understand how neuroplasticity can be harnessed to support the aging population and why it should be central to your practice.

The Science Behind Neuroplasticity and Aging

In the early days of neuroplasticity research, scientists assumed that an older brain couldn't match the adaptability of a younger one.

This perspective began to shift in the 2000s, with incremental studies suggesting that while neuroplasticity might decline with age, it didn’t disappear. Fast forward to more recent findings (2017 onwards), and the landscape has changed dramatically: older brains can indeed adapt, but they require a specific approach.

One pivotal study involved an experiment with octogenarians and 20-year-olds. Both groups underwent vision training exercises aimed at stimulating brain change. The surprising result? The 80-year-olds demonstrated the same rate of neuroplastic change as their younger counterparts—provided the stimulus was novel and engaging enough.

Key Insight: Aging brains don’t lose their plasticity; they simply need the right triggers to engage it. The challenge lies in moving beyond routine and introducing fresh, stimulating tasks.

What does this mean for your practice?
For aging clients, the focus should be on introducing new motor skills and complex, engaging tasks rather than routine physical activities. When you guide them through novel movement practices—like learning a new dance, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in context-rich drills—you ignite their brain's capacity to grow and adapt.

Practical Ways to Boost Neuroplasticity in Aging Clients

1. Encourage Novel Movement

Routine exercise isn’t enough. To stimulate neuroplastic change, older clients need to engage in activities that are new and challenging.

This might mean stepping out of the gym and trying something different: dancing, learning a musical instrument, or participating in a sport that requires coordination.

2. Contextual and Real-World Practice

The brain responds best when training mimics real-life situations. For example, instead of static vision drills that don’t align with daily activities, incorporate movement that reflects real-world needs, such as practicing visual tasks while walking.

3. Cognitive Load and Recovery Balance

Learning and brain adaptation improve when tasks are slightly challenging and require focus. Introducing distractions or cognitive loads during exercises can increase long-term retention.

For example, you can have clients practice coordination drills while engaging in simple conversation or auditory tasks. Equally important is recovery—neuroplasticity solidifies during rest periods, so ensuring a balance of work and recovery is crucial.

3 keys For Unlocking Neuroplasticity In Aging Clients

If you have clients who feel stuck in their progress or experience chronic issues, applying these neuroplastic principles can be transformative.

The three keys to unlocking neuroplasticity in aging clients include:

•  Movement practice that emphasizes learning new motor skills.

•  Contextual training that simulates real-world conditions.

•  Randomized practice to engage the brain’s adaptive mechanisms more effectively than repetitive drills.

The 4 Benefits of Neuroplasticity-Driven Training

Engaging in neuroplasticity-focused practices provides older adults with:

•  Improved cognitive function and sharper mental acuity.

•  Enhanced balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.

•  Better mood and reduced anxiety, contributing to overall mental wellness.

•  Increased independence and quality of life as they age.

A Call to Action for Health Professionals

The idea that neuroplasticity peaks and then fades with age is not just outdated—it’s limiting. Your older clients have the potential for continued growth, recovery, and resilience.

By integrating neuroplastic-focused training into your practice, you can help them defy expectations and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Are you ready to offer your clients something beyond the standard regimen? Explore the power of neuroplasticity and become a leader in progressive health practices.

Would you like more insights on how to apply these methods or are you curious about specialized training approaches? Consider joining the Next Level Neuro Mentorship and gain the tools you need to lead your field.