On the range of cognitive plasticity in old age as a function of experience: 15 years of intervention research

Abstract

Fifteen years of cognitive research conducted by the first author and his colleagues are summarized. This research has shown that many older adults have the reserve capacity to improve their performance on tests of intelligence and other indicators of cognitive efficacy. Improvement results both from self-guided learning and trainer-guided training in relevant cognitive skills. At the same time, there is increasing evidence that there are aging-related limits in the level of training-based performance attainable through practice and other strategies of cognitive engineering. Near maximum limits of capacity, aging loss seems less subject to reversibility. The nature of cognitive aging, thus, involves a Janus-like character: continued plasticity accompanied by increasing limits to plasticity. As programs for the redesigning of the aging process are considered, plasticity and limits to plasticity deserve equal attention in order to reflect the possible strengths and weaknesses of older persons. A model derived from such a dual perspective is presented in the form of selective optimization with compensation.