Aging, Cognition, and Technology Systems

Abstract

(from the chapter) Although researchers in many disciplines are interested in changes that occur in mental abilities as people age, cognitive aging researchers have studied in detail how various cognitive abilities change over time during the life span. The abilities studied have included obvious targets such as short- and long-term memories in both verbal and spatial domains, but have also included other abilities such as everyday problem solving, perception of social situations, and expertise in specific fields of endeavor such as playing chess (Roring and Charness 2007). In addition, much attention has been given to issues surrounding the measurement of cognition and, more recently, to the identification of strategies to prevent or remediate age-related cognitive decline (e.g., Green and Bavelier 2008; Valenzuela and Sachdev 2009). In short, the literature on this topic is vast and evolving. Our intent in this chapter is to demonstrate the importance of age-related changes in cognition to the performance of everyday tasks, and how understanding these relationships can help foster independence and quality of life among older adults. We emphasize information technologies because technology is ubiquitous in most settings and is involved in the performance of most routine activities. Furthermore, technology aids may help support cognitive functions among older people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)