Elderly can be as fast as young in some brain tasks, study shows

Ohio State University ^ | December 27, 2011 | Jeff Grabmeier

[decimon]

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Both children and the elderly have slower response times when they have to make quick decisions in some settings.

But recent research suggests that much of that slower response is a conscious choice to emphasize accuracy over speed.

In fact, healthy older people can be trained to respond faster in some decision-making tasks without hurting their accuracy – meaning their cognitive skills in this area aren’t so different from younger adults.

“Many people think that it is just natural for older people’s brains to slow down as they age, but we’re finding that isn’t always true,” said Roger Ratcliff, professor of psychology at Ohio State University and co-author of the studies.

“At least in some situations, 70-year-olds may have response times similar to those of 25-year olds.”

[decimon]

Slow, cautious ping.

[Jonty30]

A lot of it, I think, has to do with getting cautious because a 70 year old, who makes a costly mistake has a lot more to lose than a 25 year old who makes the same costly mistake.

For the same mistake, I think most people would be more willing to forgive a young person than a senior.

[decimon]

A lot of it, I think, has to do with getting cautious because a 70 year old, who makes a costly mistake has a lot more to lose than a 25 year old who makes the same costly mistake.

You don't expect to recover as you did when you were young. Not your physical health or your fiscal health or...

[BitWielder1]

Could it be that older people have learned the hard way the value of thinking things through rather than believing the first thing that flies into their head is the final answer?

[Jonty30]

Absolutely.

[decimon]

Could it be that older people have learned the hard way the value of thinking things through rather than believing the first thing that flies into their head is the final answer?

A few things have flown into my head but I've recuperated with a few scars. ;-)

[thackney]

Good judgement comes from experience.

Experience comes from bad judgement.

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

Maybe so, but they sure drive slow.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

A lot of it, I think, has to do with getting cautious because a 70 year old, who makes a costly mistake has a lot more to lose than a 25 year old who makes the same costly mistake.

A lot of it has to do with the fact that an older person (I'm 61) has more experience and has learned the consequences of a hasty decision. In addition, the older person has more experience to draw on, so his resources are deeper. Where a younger person sees an issue a black and white (and hardly considers the consequences) and older person sees more nuance and shading and is acutely award of the consequences of being wrong.

[Jonty30]

I think both possibilities are accurate.

Older people do have more experience and can think with more subtlety than younger folks.

But I do see simple cautiousness, for fear of mistakes, as well. For the most part, 60 year olds are close to pension age. If they lose their job and their pensions, what are the odds of getting another job, with the same pay and benefits?

[weps4ret]

Youth and enthusiasm is always trumped by olde age and craftiness. :-) Just takes longer for results, but we are blessed with the patience of age. Gunner

[weps4ret]

Youth and enthusiasm is always trumped by olde age and craftiness. :-) Just takes longer for results, but we are blessed with the patience of age. Gunner

[Thommas]

70-year-olds may have response times similar to those of 25-year olds.

Just watch Grandma espy that lone cookie on the counter at the same time as does little Timmy. Timmy will be pulling back a stump as Granny is wolfing down that Toll-house...

[weps4ret]

Youth and enthusiasm is always trumped by olde age and craftiness. :-) Just takes longer for results, but we are blessed with the patience of age. Gunner

[weps4ret]

Youth and enthusiasm is always trumped by olde age and craftiness. :-) Just takes longer for results, but we are blessed with the patience of age. Gunner

[Moonman62]

The elderly don’t know who Lady Gaga is either.

[weps4ret]

Youth and enthusiasm is always trumped by olde age and craftiness. :-) Just takes longer for results, but we are blessed with the patience of age. Gunner

[weps4ret]

Youth and enthusiasm is always trumped by olde age and craftiness. :-) Just takes longer for results, but we are blessed with the patience of age. Gunner

[weps4ret]

Sorry about the multiple posts, IE kept saying not sent.

Gunner