“Am I too old to break my toxic eating patterns and create changes?” I’ve been asked this question multiple times this year—often by people who feel their window for change has closed.

Here’s the truth, grounded in both science and my coaching experience:

From a scientific perspective:

Your brain’s ability to adapt is driven by learning and memory, both of which are heavily influenced by adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). In simple terms, AHN refers to your brain creating new neurons in the hippocampus—the region responsible for learning, memory, and adaptation.

Here’s an illustration of the hippocampus area of the brain (credit: Wikipedia).

What we know about Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis among humans:

On a species level, this process continues for life, though it naturally slows with age. But here’s the catch: the decline isn’t set in stone. Factors like your diet, movement, mental stimulation, and overall environment play a far bigger role in how adaptable you remain.

Let’s take two individuals at 65:

• One is an entrepreneur or executive navigating challenges, solving problems, and constantly exposed to new ideas and stimuli;
• The other is in a predictable, unchanging routine with little external stimulation.

Holding all else equal, their ability to embrace change will look completely different.

The same holds for physical activity: someone doing cardio three times a week tends to adapt and adopt new behaviors far more effectively than someone who isn’t moving at all.

From my coaching experience:

Most of my clients are high-achieving individuals between 30 and 55. That said, I’ve worked with plenty of people over 65—executives, business owners, and professionals—who transformed their relationship with food, reclaimed their bodies, and achieved results that felt impossible at first.

What makes the difference?

I always assess whether a person is capable of adapting before they join my program. This happens through a thorough application and a 1:1 conversation. If I feel the readiness isn’t there, I’m upfront about it. I won’t take anyone on unless I believe their success is inevitable.

This isn’t about age; it’s about mindset and willingness to change.

The bottom line:

Yes, our brains have a prime time for learning, and yes, there’s a natural decline over time. But on an individual level? The story is entirely up to you.

The real question isn’t “Am I too old for this?” but rather “Do I need to change?”

If the answer is yes, that decision trumps everything else. You won’t know what’s possible until you take the first step.

_______________________

P.S. My name is Leslie Chen, and for 9 years, I’ve helped high-performing individuals break free from toxic eating patterns and food obsession while shedding stubborn pounds effortlessly. My approach is liberating, rooted in science, and built for lasting change.

If you’re ready for a full-body, full-life reset, apply for a clarity call.

And if this resonated with you, follow me here for daily wisdom on living freely—unconfined by food, weight, or limitations.