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Decision-making in old age: cautiousness and rigidity

R E Calhoun, S L Hutchison

    International Journal of Aging & Human Development
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary

    Elderly individuals exhibit cautious decision-making, often avoiding choices even without risk. Behavioral rigidity in older adults is linked to making riskier decisions.

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    Area of Science:

    • Psychology
    • Gerontology

    Background:

    • Botwinick's research highlighted cautiousness in elderly decision-making.
    • Previous studies have not extensively examined rigidity and decision outcome certainty in older adults.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To validate Botwinick's findings on cautiousness and decision-making in old age.
    • To investigate the influence of behavioral rigidity and decision outcome certainty on elderly decision-making.

    Main Methods:

    • Sixty-four elderly participants completed the Choice Dilemmas Questionnaire (CDQ).
    • Participants were assessed for high or low scores on Schaie's Test of Behavioral Rigidity.
    • Decision-making patterns were analyzed based on risk, outcome certainty, and participant rigidity.

    Main Results:

    • Elderly participants tended to avoid decision-making opportunities, even when no risk was involved.
    • A more conservative decision-making approach was observed when outcomes affected younger individuals compared to older individuals.
    • This cautiousness diminished when participants were compelled to make a decision.
    • Behavioral rigidity correlated with a propensity for riskier decisions among the elderly.

    Conclusions:

    • The study supports Botwinick's findings regarding cautiousness in elderly decision-making.
    • Behavioral rigidity emerges as a significant factor influencing risk-taking in older adults' decisions.
    • Decision avoidance is a notable characteristic of elderly decision-making, particularly when no risk is present.

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