Aging Brains Have Improved Function!

May 27, 2008

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As we age we seem to have more trouble getting distracted and find it harder to concentrate. However, new research suggests in some respects that aging brains have improved function, and not that our brainpower is decreasing.

An article in the NYT describes some interesting studies that indicate that the loss of focus that occurs as we age is actually a benefit. The research suggests that as we get older we are actually taking in more information and sifting through it. The result is that though it slows us down and may make us more distracted, that choices and decisions are based on more data. This can mean that problem solving is improved, and perhaps we have more wisdom.

In studies when young and older adults were given readings that contained unexpected words and phrases. The younger participants were faster at completing the reading, and not distracted by the inappropriate words, reading almost as if they were not there. The older participants were slower, and got even slower if the unexpected words were relevant to the topic of the reading. However, later when the participants were asked questions about the “wrong but relevant” words and phrases, the older participants scored much better.

This research suggests that older adults are both retaining this data, and able to process the extra data.

The assimilation of a wide range of information and inputs can result in better decision-making. As noted in the article, “Such tendencies can yield big advantages in the real world, where it is not always clear what information is important, or will become important”, and “A broad attention span may enable older adults to ultimately know more about a situation and the indirect message of what’s going on than their younger peers. We believe that this characteristic may play a significant role in why we think of older people as wiser.”

So we are getting smarter!

photo credit: paperfairys

Technorati Tags: brain aging, brain function, wise

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Written by Judith · Filed Under Aging, Brain/Mind, Life

Comments

One Response to “Aging Brains Have Improved Function!”

Age-related memory problems. More evidence of a lack of focus : Life, aging and… on September 8th, 2008 3:13 pm

[…] Though on the bright side there is some research that suggests the age-related lack of focus may have benefits for problem solving and wisdom. See the post aging brains have improved function. […]

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