Age-related differences in processing unconventional text formats

Typographic formats influence reading efficiency; however, knowledge remains limited regarding how these effects change across the lifespan, especially for orthographic distortions in digital environments. This study examines how conventional formats (lowercase and uppercase) and unconventional formats (mixed-case and LEET) affect reading times and the integration of meaning while reading five-word phrases. Three hundred and three adults (18-84 years) read short sentences (five words) presented in the four formats, while reading times and memory accuracy were recorded. The results showed a graded cost pattern: conventional formats yielded the fastest reading times, mixed-case imposed moderate costs, and LEET produced the greatest slowdown and a slight reduction in accuracy. Moreover, a significant interaction between format and age was observed: although reading slowed with age in all formats, this effect was especially pronounced for LEET. These findings suggest that extreme orthographic distortions increase perceptual and pre-lexical demands, revealing limits in reading adaptation associated with aging.