Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
4-25-2025
Keywords
attention, attentional capacity, cognitive processes, memory
Disciplines
Developmental Psychology
Abstract
Attention is the first step our brains take to actively process information from the environment. Our attentional capacity is limited, such that we cannot process all the sights, sounds, smells and feelings surrounding us all at once. Attention (along with memory) is one of the basic cognitive processes most impacted by growing older. In addition, attention is not a unitary process and different types of attention require more cognitive resources than others. Thus, not all attentional systems are subject to declines with age to the same degree.
Recommended Citation
McCarrey, Anna C., "Attention in Old Age" (2025). Essays in Developmental Psychology. 22.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/edp/22