Age-related Increase in Representational Momentum Linked to Decreased Visual Cortex Function.

What is it about?

Our study investigated the effect of aging on a cognitive phenomenon called representational momentum (RM), which refers to the tendency to perceive a moving object as traveling further than it actually does. We found that older adults had a larger RM effect compared to younger adults, indicating a greater displacement of their judgments of the final location of a moving object. We also found that older adults had decreased brain activity in the visual cortex, which is responsible for processing what we see. This decline in visual cortex function may explain why older adults experience a larger RM effect. Understanding these age-related differences in visual perception is important for activities that require precise judgment of moving objects, such as driving or navigating in complex environments.

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Photo by Joseph Corl on Unsplash

Photo by Joseph Corl on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our research sheds light on the impact of aging on visual perception and provides insights into the cognitive processes that underlie the phenomenon of representational momentum (RM). This study is unique in its focus on the link between age-related changes in visual cortex function and the increased RM effect observed in older adults. By uncovering this relationship, our findings contribute to a better understanding of how aging affects our ability to accurately judge the motion and final position of objects. This research has timely implications as the global population continues to age. Understanding the cognitive changes that occur with age is crucial for designing interventions and accommodations that can support older adults in various activities, including driving, sports, and daily living. By highlighting the link between visual cortex function and RM, our work can help inform the development of strategies to mitigate the potential negative consequences of age-related changes in perception.

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