Learning and Memory
Most persons experience a modest increase in memory problems, as they get older, particularly with regard to the ability to remember relatively recent experiences. Reduction is found both in the ability to accumulate new information and in the ability to retrieve existing information from memory storage, although there is little decline in the ability to store new information once it is learned.
The process of learning new information and encoding it for storage requires more time as individuals get older, because of the reduced efficiency of neural transmission and because of sensory deficits that limit one's ability to quickly and accurately perceive information to be learned (as discussed above). In fast-moving day-to-day experiences, this may prevent individual experiences (e.g., the name of someone to whom one is introduced) from receiving the attention needed for complete encoding into secondary memory.
In addition, the extensive life experience of older persons makes it more likely that new information will not adequately be distinguishable from previous learning (e.g., the names of other similar people one has met over the years), making it difficult to establish unique cues and linkages for new experiences.
It is important to note that cognitive processes such as learning, memory, and intellectual functioning are extremely responsive to a person's physical and psychological state. Physical illnesses and medications can affect neuronal function and also reduce the energy available for cognitive processes.
Depression and other emotional conditions that involve impaired self-esteem and reduced confidence in one's own abilities can significantly impair one's motivation for learning and remembering new information. Among depressed older adults, for example, memory complaints can increase and memory performance can decline even in persons who do not have any actual impairment in cognitive functioning or learning ability.
Moreover, older adults who have adopted the popular stereotype that forgetfulness is inevitable in old age may experience increased anxiety and reduced self-confidence when confronted with normal memory tasks, resulting in memory problems they would not otherwise have had.
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