THE MORE YOU KNOW…Changes in information Processing | #AgeWell

Changes in information Processing Older Adults experience a decline in 5 primary abilities

1. Verbal Meaning2. Spatial Orientation3. Inductive Reasoning4. Number Ability5. Word Fluency

Input: Sensing and Perceiving With age, it takes

longer reductions in

sensitivity & power Sensory receptors

(eyes & ears) are less acute

Input: Sensing and PerceivingInsidious process

Info must cross a sensory threshold to reach perception

Senses must pick up relevant situations

Problems can occur due to physical deterioration, for example not seeing or hearing information

Also known as short-term memory

Working Memory

Working Memory

Important: Older Adults have an issue with this, which makes multi-tasking difficult. Older adults often have an issue screening out distractions and holding off irrelevant thoughts.

Processes current, conscious mental activity

Two interrelated functions:1. Serves as a temporary

information storage2. Processes information

that is held in the mind

Long-Term Memory A knowledge base of

information Vocabulary and areas of

expertise remain unimpaired, but source amnesia is increasingly common.

Control Processes Part of the information-processing system Regulates the analysis and flow of

information Selective attention Retrieval strategies Storage mechanisms Logical Analysis

Control Processes (cont’d)Older adults tend to rely on prior knowledge, rule-of-thumb, or general principles to process new information.

Retrieval strategies also decline with age

Explicit Memory Facts, definitions,

data and concepts learned consciously through deliberate repetition and review, and usually easily retrieved

Implicit Memory• Easily

retrieved• Automat

ic memory

• Habits/routine

Unconscious or automatic memory such as baits, emotional responses, routines and other content not deliberately memorized

Resistance: Memory decline as the result of a refusal to guess, reluctance to change, resistance to new technology or as a deliberate choice.

Resistance

Primary Aging

Important: Slowdown may affect learning new material, but the types of thinking not involving speed are less affected.

Reduced production of neurotransmitters

Decrease in the total volume of neural fluid

Decrease in speed of cerebral blood flow

Slower pace of activation of various parts of cotex

Compensation Various strategies can be

used to cope with memory difficulties, such as reminders, taking extra time and repetition. Written reminders Repeat confusing

instructions

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