US Health Experts Advocate Reaction‑Time Training for Older Adults

Reaction time—the interval between perceiving a stimulus and initiating a physical response—begins to decline in the 20s and accelerates after age 60. The slowdown reduces the nervous system’s ability to recruit the right muscles quickly enough to prevent a fall, and falls are the leading cause of injury‑related death among adults 65 and older, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Experts say reaction‑time training is accessible to everyone and can improve reflex speed, balance, confidence in movement, and overall brain health. Mind‑body coach Dana Santas notes that faster reflexes help older adults stay active, while CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta highlights the training’s potential to keep the central nervous system functioning efficiently.