Age differences in dynamic contrast thresholds

Contrast thresholds for sinusoidal gratings of 1.5-18 cpd were measured in young (M = 24 years) and older adults (M = 69 years). Thresholds were determined for stationary gratings, and for gratings that traveled along a circular path at 5, 10, and 15 deg/sec. For static gratings, age differences in thresholds were greater for intermediate and higher spatial frequencies. Grating motion increased thresholds for all observers, but older adults exhibited threshold increases at lower target velocities than the young. Age differences in velocity effects were generally greater at intermediate and higher spatial frequencies. Results are discussed in relation to age changes in temporal resolution and smooth pursuit gain.