ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes several actions older people can take that directly benefit the aging intellect. The actions that directly boost mental vigor are working smarter; applying selection, optimization, and compensation; recognizing that active experience matters; giving consideration to cognitive training; and engaging in attention restoration activities. Even though considerable individual variation occurs in the rate at which mental abilities fall away, reports from even the best functioning 3rd Age women and men have confirmed that certain of their cognitive skills are weaker than in midlife. The aim of the longitudinal investigation was to evaluate whether instruction improved mental abilities and the daily functioning of older, independently living adults. Perhaps the best example comes from programs aimed at boosting the mental skills of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. One of the most striking findings was that the elders with above-average mental ability looked at the unusual figures twice as long as equally bright young and middleaged subjects.
