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Aging and speed of behavior: possible consequences for psychological functioning
1Center on Aging, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1687.
Annual Review of Psychology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Behavioral slowing is a hallmark of aging, influenced by health and lifestyle factors. Research suggests both general and specific central nervous system mechanisms contribute to this age-related change.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Investigates the neurophysiological and behavioral aspects of aging.
Background:
- Behavioral slowness is a well-established characteristic of aging.
- Early research attributed slowing to peripheral factors, but current evidence points to the central nervous system.
- Ongoing debate exists regarding whether central nervous system slowing is a general or localized phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted nature of behavioral slowing in aging.
- To identify neurophysiological correlates and the role of slowing in cognitive processes.
- To move beyond chronological age and examine independent variables influencing behavioral speed.
Main Methods:
- Review of over 100 years of observational and research data on behavioral slowing.
- Analysis of evidence implicating central nervous system mechanisms.
- Consideration of broader causal complexes including biological and social factors.
Main Results:
- Behavioral slowing with age is a reliable feature, influenced by health, medication, and physical activity.
- Both general and specific central nervous system mechanisms contribute to behavioral slowing.
- Specific factors and a general process are associated with age-related behavioral slowing.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral speed is a significant factor in understanding age-related cognitive differences.
- Speed of behavior can serve as a biomarker for assessing interventions aimed at modifying the aging process.
- Further research is needed to explore speed as a marker across diverse adult subgroups and life outcomes.
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