Introduction
Aging is an extremely complicated process that affects an individual’s quality of life. Even today, there is no consensus regarding whether or not aging and becoming elderly immediately lead to cognitive decline, and there is much heterogeneity between seniors when it comes to the speed of decline (Yu et al., 2015). Studies of the dynamics of intelligence suggest that older adults (both men and women) have lower fluid intelligence compared to teenagers and adults, which may hinder decision-making in unexpected and new situations (Aichele, Rabbitt, & Ghisletta, 2015; Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2019). For example, because of the decline in fluid intelligence, it can be challenging for older adults to master totally new skills or succeed in activities that they have never tried before. As for another example, it is common for the elderly population to experience declines in working memory, which is why older adults may struggle with tasks that involve making connections between totally new and prior knowledge (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2019).
Main body
Cognitive slowing is among the leading tendencies that influence intelligence and reasoning abilities in the three age groups. Cognitive processes slow down with age, which is manifested in changes related to the speed of information processing (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2019). Prominent tendencies peculiar to young adults include the development of post-formal thought, the gradual decline of fluid intelligence, and an increase in crystallized intelligence (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2019). The decline of fluid intelligence and the growth of crystallized intelligence continue when a person reaches middle age, and people in this age group already demonstrate reflective judgment (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2019). In older adults, the characteristics of cognition give rise to the decline in conceptual reasoning and fluid intelligence, as well as the tendency to make less effective decisions (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2019; Chiu et al., 2017).
Conclusion
Society’s reaction to intellectual activity, cognition, and reasoning in older adults seems to be based on stereotypes about the inevitable and rapid cognitive and physical decline that no one can escape or at least slowdown. However, Marian Diamond responds to this by suggesting that good reasoning and intellectual abilities can be maintained at almost any age if a person’s brain is stimulated in a proper manner, which involves both physical activity and moderately challenging intellectual tasks (Davidson, 2000).
References
Aichele, S., Rabbitt, P., & Ghisletta, P. (2015). Life span decrements in fluid intelligence and processing speed predict mortality risk. Psychology and Aging, 30(3), 598–612.
Cavanaugh, J. C., & Blanchard-Fields, B. (2019). Adult development and aging (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Chiu, H., Chu, H., Jui-Chen, T., Liu, D., Ying-Ren, C., Hui-Ling, Y., & Chou, K. (2017). The effect of cognitive-based training for the healthy older people: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One, 12(5), e0176742.
Davidson, J. M. (2000). Older brains, new connections: A conversation with Marian Diamond at 73 [Film]. Davidson Films.
Yu, L., Boyle, P. A., Segawa, E., Leurgans, S., Schneider, J. A., Wilson, R. S., & Bennett, D. A. (2015). Residual decline in cognition after adjustment for common neuropathologic conditions. Neuropsychology, 29(3), 335–343.