Cognitive and Psychological Transfer Effects of Length-Dependent Working Memory Training in Healthy Older Adults

The verbal working memory training proposed by Borella and co-authors found specific and transfer effects among older adults. However, the effective training lengths needed to maximize transfer effects are not yet clear. Also, far-transfer effects related to psychological well-being and subjective health are still under debate. The present study aimed to assess gains and transfer effects of a modified version of the WM training protocol by Borella and co-authors by comparing the original three-session (1 h each) version to a modified eighteen-session (1 h each) version. Our results confirmed the already demonstrated specific cognitive effects that seem to increase as the number of sessions increases. Regarding psychological well-being and subjective health, we found that while even three sessions of training can diminish reported loneliness and negative affective states, the longer training significantly improves the subjective perception of general health, suggesting that longer working memory training may be particularly fruitful in promoting well-being and successful aging.