Question

During old age, a person's ______ intelligence continues to increase, whereas ______ intelligence may decline.

Short answer

During old age, a person's Crystallized intelligence continues to increase, whereas Fluid intelligence may decline.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the types of intelligence

From the description in the analysis, we can identify two types of intelligence: Crystallized intelligence and Fluid intelligence.

Assign each type of intelligence to the correct blank

According to numerous research, during old age, a person's crystallized intelligence, which is the ability to use skills, knowledge, and experience, continues to increase. In comparison, the fluid intelligence, which involves the ability to solve new problems, use logic in new situations and identify patterns, may decline.

Fill the blanks with the correct type of intelligence

So, the blanks in the exercise can be filled as follows: During old age, a person's Crystallized intelligence continues to increase, whereas Fluid intelligence may decline.

Key concepts

Crystallized Intelligence

Crystallized intelligence refers to the accumulation of knowledge, facts, and skills that one acquires through education and experience. This form of intelligence grows as a person becomes more seasoned and wise with age. Think of it as a mental library that expands over time; the more you read and learn, the more books you add to the shelf. It's the trivia questions you can answer because of what you've read or the knitting you've mastered after years of practice.

With crystallized intelligence, abilities like vocabulary, general knowledge, and reading comprehension strengthen. Elderly individuals often show remarkable proficiency in these areas because they've had a lifetime to gather this knowledge. Unlike fluid intelligence, which may decrease over time, crystallized intelligence tends to remain stable or even improve as we grow older. This might explain why your grandparents are excellent at crossword puzzles and quizzes - they're tapping into a vast reservoir of crystallized intelligence.

Fluid Intelligence

In contrast to crystallized intelligence, fluid intelligence is your ability to reason in an agile and abstract way. It's about being able to think on your feet, solve new problems, and spot patterns you've never seen before. This type of intelligence is akin to the processor speed of a computer; it demonstrates how quickly and efficiently you can manage and manipulate information that's new or complex.

Typically peaking in young adulthood, fluid intelligence involves novel, on-the-spot reasoning that isn't reliant on prior knowledge, like figuring out a new puzzle or inventing a solution to an unfamiliar problem. However, it's known to decline with age, which is why older individuals might find it harder to adapt to new technologies or solve complex problems that require speedy mental processing. This decline doesn't mean they aren't intelligent; rather, it signals a shift in the type of intelligence that is more readily accessible and utilizable as they age.

Cognitive Development in Old Age

Cognitive development during old age is characterized by changes in both crystallized and fluid intelligence. As previously mentioned, crystallized intelligence tends to be maintained or increase due to the accumulation of knowledge and life experiences. On the other hand, the agility of fluid intelligence often diminishes. But it's not all about decline. Older adults often compensate for these changes with a wealth of knowledge, wise judgment, and refined problem-solving skills based on past experiences.

Moreover, cognitive development in old age can be influenced by an individual's lifestyle, social activities, diet, exercise, and engagement in mental challenges. Puzzles, reading, and social interactions are just a few examples that help maintain cognitive function. Aging doesn't mean intellectual ability is lost—rather, it transforms. Embracing lifelong learning and maintaining an active social life can help maintain cognitive vitality well into the golden years.