ABSTRACT
What happens to the cognitive system as we get older? There are some common age-related stereotypes which suggest that older adults are slower at performing many tasks and have poorer memories than when they were younger. Other stereotypes have suggested that with age come increased knowledge and wisdom, which can be important in solving many dilemmas of contemporary life (Hummert, Garstka, Shaner, & Strahm, 1994). It is often the case that there is considerable truth in folk wisdom, and this is no exception. There actually is a great deal of scientific evidence indicating that, as we age, our mental processes do become somewhat less efficient, and that is the focus of the present chapter. Similarly, there also is evidence that with age come growth and experience, which can be useful in solving complex moral and social problems (Baltes & Staudinger, 1993). Although perhaps more is understood about the losses associated with cognitive aging, there also is considerable impetus to understand how knowledge and experience, which increase with age might translate into gains for older individuals, and that is the focus of the second chapter in this volume by Dixon. This overview of losses and gains that occur with cognitive aging, which is addressed in the first two chapters, will set the stage for the additional topics covered in this book.
