How cognitive abilities are changing across generations
Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
Recent research reveals a fascinating trend: the cognitive abilities of older generations are improving compared to younger ones.
Evidence from 60 studies suggests that older adults today have better cognitive skills than their grandparents did at the same age.
Meanwhile, younger people's cognitive abilities have shown little improvement over recent decades.
Let's dive into why this is happening, what it means for both the young and the old, and the broader implications of these findings.
Cognitive Gains Among Older Adults
The studies compared different generations on various cognitive tests. They found that older adults are now scoring higher on over two-thirds of these measures, including memory, verbal fluency, and overall speed of cognition. This means that people in their sixties and older are likely more cognitively capable than their grandparents were at the same age.
Several factors contribute to this improvement, including:
Improved Nutrition: Access to better nutrition throughout life has positively impacted brain health.
Better Education: Increased educational opportunities and higher educational attainment contribute to enhanced cognitive abilities.
Advanced Healthcare: Modern healthcare advancements allow for better management of health conditions that can affect cognitive function.
Stimulating Environments: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as learning new skills or hobbies, helps maintain cognitive vitality.
Dr. Stephen Badham, the study’s first author, explains:
“Much existing research shows that IQ has been improving globally throughout the 20th century. This means that later-born generations are more cognitively able than those born earlier.
However, there is growing evidence that time-based increases in IQ are leveling off, such that in the most recent couple of decades, young adults are no more cognitively able than those born shortly beforehand.
As a result, the current data show that young adult advantages in cognition relative to older adults, such as memory ability and speed of processing, are now getting smaller over time. This means that when we compare young and older adults today, the gap is smaller than it was in the past.”
Deteriorating cognitive abilities among the young
While older adults are celebrating their cognitive gains, the story for younger people is less optimistic. The improvements in IQ among younger generations are not just leveling off; in some cases, they are starting to decline. This decline has sparked concerns about what might be impacting the cognitive development of younger generations.
Several factors could be contributing to this decline:
Screen Time: The increasing time spent on digital devices may reduce opportunities for engaging in cognitively stimulating activities.
Educational Changes: Shifts in educational systems and teaching methods might not be as effective in promoting cognitive development.
Mental Health: Rising rates of depression and anxiety among young people can negatively affect cognitive performance.
Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits may also play a role.
Dr. Badham remains optimistic, stating:
“...the decline an individual might expect to experience as they become older is smaller than originally thought. In other words, we can expect to be more cognitively able than our grandparents were when we reach their age.
Finally, as older adults are performing better in general than previous generations, it may be necessary to revise definitions of dementia that depend on an individual's expected level of ability.
This is because dementia is defined as cognitive ability that is below normal and the current results suggest that as healthy older adults become more cognitively able, we may need to revise our definition of normal when diagnosing dementia.”
Implications of the Study
The findings from these studies have significant implications for individuals, society, and policy-making:
For Individuals:
Lifelong Learning: Emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and mental stimulation can help maintain cognitive health. Engaging in activities such as reading, playing musical instruments, or learning new skills can promote cognitive resilience.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can support cognitive function across the lifespan.
Mental Health Awareness: Addressing mental health issues early and promoting mental well-being can mitigate negative impacts on cognitive performance.
For Society:
Educational Reforms: Rethinking educational approaches to ensure they effectively promote cognitive development in young people is crucial. This includes incorporating more interactive and problem-solving activities in the curriculum.
Technology Use: Encouraging balanced and mindful use of technology to prevent it from detracting from activities that promote cognitive growth.
Intergenerational Programs: Promoting intergenerational programs where older adults can share their knowledge and skills with younger generations, fostering mutual cognitive benefits.
For Policy-Makers:
Healthcare Policies: Developing healthcare policies that prioritize preventive measures and early interventions to maintain cognitive health.
Support for Aging Populations: Creating programs that support the cognitive and overall well-being of the aging population, including access to stimulating activities and lifelong learning opportunities.
Addressing Youth Mental Health: Implementing policies that address the mental health crisis among young people, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need.
Final thoughts
The research brings a silver lining for older adults. The cognitive decline traditionally expected with aging is less severe than previously thought.
This means we can anticipate being more mentally agile in our senior years than our grandparents were.
Moreover, as older adults continue to perform better on cognitive tests, redefining what constitutes "normal" cognitive aging may be necessary, particularly when diagnosing conditions like dementia.
While the cognitive abilities of younger generations may not be improving at the same rate, understanding these trends allows us to better support both younger and older individuals in maintaining and enhancing their cognitive health.
So, whether you’re a young adult or a seasoned senior, keep engaging in activities stimulating your mind. Your future self will thank you!
Incorporating these insights into your daily life can make a significant difference. So, whether it's solving puzzles, learning a new language, or simply staying socially active, keep that brain buzzing. Who knew that aging could be so intellectually invigorating?
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Badham, S. P. (2024). The older population is more cognitively able than in the past and age-related deficits in cognition are diminishing over time. Developmental Review, 72, 101124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2024.101124
