Work

Cognitive Enrichment in Old Age

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Lifestyles with high levels of cognitive activity have been linked to weaker declines in cognitive abilities with aging. Hence, computer-based cognitive training programs that facilitate intense, daily, cognitive practice may help older adults to maintain and improve their cognitive functioning. We present the rationale for and implementation of an internet-based training environment that includes tasks of perceptual speed, episodic memory, and working memory. It was implemented as platform-independent internet-based testing software and used in the COGITO study to investigate intraindividual variability and plasticity in 101 younger (age 20–31) and 103 older (age 65–80) adults across an average of 100 daily practice sessions. Observations from this study and retrospective self-report evaluations demonstrate the program’s feasibility and acceptance among participants.

Source: GeroPsych

DOI: 10.1024/1662-9647/a000013

Authors: Florian Schmiedek, Colin Bauer, Martin Lövdén, Annette Brose, Ulman Lindenberger

Institutions: Max Planck Society, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Freie Universität Berlin, Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Cognitive Abilities and Testing

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green