Changes in Temporal Visual Processing in Normal Aging

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter describes changes in temporal visual processing in normal aging. Many aspects of visual processing change in association with normal aging. The controversies over whether these changes are primarily due to optical or neural factors, and whether aging primarily affects one of two parallel systems, is discussed. The chapter also deals with recent reports regarding temporal processing changes in older adults. Some of the earliest research on the effects of aging on temporal processing involves measurements of critical flicker fusion (CFF), the threshold temporal frequency where a flickering light no longer appears to be flickering. Several reports reveal that older adults consistently have lower CFFs than younger adults. It has been suggested that age-related changes in temporal processing are due to an increase in stimulus persistence. Under this hypothesis, an overall slowing of the aging nervous system results in more time being necessary for recovery from a visual stimulus.