Why do older adults tend to use more brain areas to solve a given problem than younger adults do?
A) Older adults are not as intelligent as younger adults.
B) Older adults have lower IQs than younger adults.
C) Older adults need additional executive resources to perform the same task.
D) Older adults are more distractible than younger adults.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As we age, changes in brain structure and function make it more difficult to complete cognitive tasks. This can lead to a greater reliance on executive functions - such as working memory, control of attention, and reasoning - to compensate for declines in other areas. Therefore, older adults may activate more brain regions to process and solve the same problem as younger adults. This doesn't necessarily mean that they are less intelligent or have lower IQs, but rather that their brains are working harder to achieve the same level of performance.

Why Do Older Adults Tend to Use More Brain Areas