Age-Dependent Changes in Information Processing Abilities between 20 and 60 Years

Information processing performance in single- and dual-task configurations was examined across 60 subjects between the ages of 20 and 60. The objective was to investigate the general slowing trend observed with increasing chronological age more closely. The results supported this general slowing trend which appears to be more pronounced for complex stimulus materials. However, age did not interact with dual-task loading. Examination of the evoked brain potential data under speed and accuracy instructions suggested that most of the slowing was attributed to response processes rather than those of perception and memory. Furthermore, older subjects were more conservative in placing their response criterion and suffered a smaller loss when placed under speed stress.