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When the mind wanders: age-related differences between young and older adults
Michela Zavagnin1, Erika Borella1, Rossana De Beni1
1Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy.
Acta Psychologica
|December 3, 2013
Summary
Older adults experience less mind wandering (MW), but it is more disruptive to performance. Age and cognitive factors influence MW, depending on task demands.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Aging
Background:
- Mind wandering (MW) research is expanding, yet older adults remain understudied.
- Understanding age-related changes in MW is crucial for cognitive health in aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in MW across young, young-old, and old-old adults.
- To examine MW using perceptual and semantic versions of the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART).
- To explore the relationship between MW, cognitive mechanisms, and everyday cognitive failures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two SART versions (perceptual and semantic) to measure MW.
- Assessed MW through self-reported episodes and behavioral indices (response time, errors).
- Correlated MW with working memory, inhibition, processing speed, cognitive failures, and intrusive thoughts.
Main Results:
- Older adults reported fewer MW episodes than younger adults.
- Old-old adults exhibited higher response time variability and error rates, indicating more pervasive MW.
- Age and cognitive mechanisms differentially impacted MW based on SART task demands.
Conclusions:
- Mind wandering frequency decreases with age, but its impact on performance may increase.
- Cognitive mechanisms play a complex role in age-related MW, task-dependent.
- Findings highlight the nuanced effects of aging on attention and cognitive control.
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