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Related Experiment Videos

Aging and speed of behavior: possible consequences for psychological functioning

J E Birren1, L M Fisher

  • 1Center on Aging, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1687.

Annual Review of Psychology
|January 1, 1995
PubMed
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.

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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.

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  • 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.