Of course not. We know that many things get better with age, experience and maturity. However, a recent study at the University of Virginia found that certain mental abilities peak in one’s 20’s. Performance on three key tests for mental disabilities – reasoning, speed of thought and spatial visualization – peaked at age 22 and were significantly lower for participants as young as 27.
For more information on the University of Virginia study, see: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/4995546/Old-age-begins-at-27-as-mental-powers-start-to-decline-scientists-find.html
On the other hand, the researchers found that participants continued to improve on tests of accumulated knowledge up until age 60. Other studies have found that this continual learning can make up for the deficits in other areas. For example, a study of older air traffic controllers found that they perform as well as their younger peers up until about age 60, calling into question the mandatory retirement age of 54. “The researchers found that while older air traffic controllers experience normal age related declines in some cognitive skills, their expertise on the job enables them to overcome these deficits and function on a par with their younger peers” (www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309092939.html).
While the areas of decline may still be a concern, the good news is that there are things you can do to boost all of your mental abilities at any age and target the key areas of decline, and the sooner you start the better. For example, you can enhance visual perception and even nurture your creativity with Tangoes, based on the ancient Chinese Tangram puzzle. Tangoes can be found at:www.marblesthebrainstore.com/visual-perception/vp003.html.
I would love to hear from you. What do you think?
~ Lindsay
I love Tangoes. You are right – it is a great activity for all ages. Glad to know I’ll have a productive excuse to continue to play into my old age.