Question

Illustrate the development of cognitive characteristics during adulthood.

Answer 1

1. Adulthood is marked by remarkable changes in the cognitive abilities. Abilities that involve intensive information processing begin to decline in early adulthood, but those that depend on accumulated knowledge and experience strengthens. Years of accumulating and organising information can make older adults practiced, skilful, and wise.
2. During the early and middle adulthood period, adults perform better on tests of vocabulary, comprehension, and general knowledge, especially if they are engaged in enriching activities such as travel or reading. They are able to view both the possibilities and the problems in every course of action such as in deciding whether to start a new business, back a political candidate, move to a new place or change jobs.
3. Middle-aged adults are good at making sensible decisions on matters related to emotions, social issues, and personal relationships. After the age of sixty-five or so, some intellectual abilities decline noticeably, especially on matters that require active thinking and reasoning and sheer mental effort. 
4. Adult cognitive development is a continuous process of both growth and decline. Early adulthood is defined by peak cognitive ability, middle adulthood by accumulating experience and wisdom, and late adulthood by combining cognitive resilience and adaptation.