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Curiosity in old age: A possible key to achieving adaptive aging
Michiko Sakaki1, Ayano Yagi2, Kou Murayama1
1School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Harry Pitt Building, Earley Gate, Whiteknights Road, RG6 7BE, Reading, UK; Kochi University of Technology, 185 Miyanokuchi, Tosayamada, Kami City, Kochi, 782-8502, Japan.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|March 17, 2018
Summary
Curiosity, though declining with age, is vital for older adults. Maintaining curiosity supports cognitive, mental, and physical health in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Curiosity is a core human motivator, crucial for learning and discovery.
- The role of curiosity in aging populations is under-explored.
- Novelty seeking is a related concept in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of curiosity in aging populations.
- To propose curiosity as a factor in maintaining health in older adults.
- To identify neural systems involved in curiosity processing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review integrating neuroscientific and psychological research.
- Analysis of existing studies on curiosity and aging.
- Examination of dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems in curiosity.
Main Results:
- Curiosity generally declines with age.
- Curiosity is linked to better cognitive function in older adults.
- Curiosity contributes to improved mental and physical health in aging.
Conclusions:
- Curiosity plays a significant role in adaptive aging.
- The dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems are key to curiosity processing.
- Interventions to foster curiosity may benefit older adults' well-being.
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