Which statement is true about cognitive functioning in late adulthood?
A) Mental abilities that rely on biologically based information-processing skills are sustained longer.
B) Research reveals less individual variation in cognitive functioning in late adulthood than at any other time of life.
C) Older adults who sustain high levels of cognitive functioning engage in selective optimization with compensation.
D) Generally, cognitive improvement and maintenance outweigh cognitive loss as people approach the end of life.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Selective optimization with compensation is a process in which older adults focus on maximizing their abilities in areas that are particularly important to them while minimizing the effects of cognitive decline in other areas. This process helps older adults maintain high levels of cognitive functioning.

Answer: A 
 While there is some decline in cognitive functioning in late adulthood, mental abilities that rely on biologically based information-processing skills, such as vocabulary and general knowledge, tend to be sustained longer than abilities that rely on speed, working memory, and multitasking.

Answer: D 
 Generally, cognitive decline outweighs cognitive improvement and maintenance as people approach the end of life. However, there is significant individual variation in cognitive functioning in late adulthood, and some older adults are able to maintain high levels of cognitive functioning even in the face of age-related decline.

Answer: B 
 Research consistently finds significant individual variation in cognitive functioning in late adulthood, just as there is significant individual variation in cognitive functioning at all other stages of life.

Which Statement Is True About Cognitive Functioning in Late Adulthood