Achievements of the Aging Mind

Memory

Memory Is More Than It Seems

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on February 7, 2024

Consider these 3 ways you probably didn't realize you used your memory.

Consider these 3 ways you probably didn't realize you used your memory.

Memory

Why That Song Is Stuck in Your Head

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on February 6, 2024

Earworms—when a catchy piece of music plays on repeat in your head.

Earworms—when a catchy piece of music plays on repeat in your head.

Memory

A Better Way to Learn New Technologies

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on September 9, 2022

Are you trying to learn a new app on your phone or tablet? Instructional videos can help!

Are you trying to learn a new app on your phone or tablet? Instructional videos can help!

Memory

Advice for the Late-Life Learner

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on December 10, 2021

You’re not too old to learn new things.

You’re not too old to learn new things.

Heuristics

Decisions, Decisions: How We Make Choices Every Day

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on November 30, 2021

We always make decisions in a rational manner, right? Maybe not.

We always make decisions in a rational manner, right? Maybe not.

Memory

What Happens When We Remember

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on November 1, 2021

Ever wonder why memories shift over time? It might be a feature, not a bug.

Ever wonder why memories shift over time? It might be a feature, not a bug.

Memory

How Gist Memory Helps Us Plan for the Future

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on August 26, 2021

Memory for the future: The meaning in prospection.

Memory for the future: The meaning in prospection.

Play

The Role of Context in Perception

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on July 27, 2021

How can two people view the same image and come to different conclusions about its contents? Different viewing contexts may play a role.

How can two people view the same image and come to different conclusions about its contents? Different viewing contexts may play a role.

Attention

May We Have Your Attention

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on June 21, 2021

Think you are taking in your surroundings? Guess again.

Think you are taking in your surroundings? Guess again.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Use It or Lose It

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on December 14, 2020

When it comes to cognitive stimulation, does the type of activity really matter?

When it comes to cognitive stimulation, does the type of activity really matter?

Cognition

Getting Together to Promote Cognitive Fitness

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on November 23, 2020

Alongside entertainment, spending time with others can assist our cognition.

Alongside entertainment, spending time with others can assist our cognition.

Cognition

Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on October 19, 2020

Many of us exercise to maintain physical health, but our minds also benefit.

Many of us exercise to maintain physical health, but our minds also benefit.

Sleep

To Stay Mentally Sharp, Prioritize Sleep

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on September 28, 2020

Sleep is important for mental health and cognitive function. Find out how you can fight societal trends that push us to be chronically sleep deprived.

Sleep is important for mental health and cognitive function. Find out how you can fight societal trends that push us to be chronically sleep deprived.

Sleep

Tips for Staying Sharp as We Age

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on August 24, 2020

While there isn’t a fountain of youth for our mental faculties, there are steps we can take to stay sharp as we age.

While there isn’t a fountain of youth for our mental faculties, there are steps we can take to stay sharp as we age.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Adapting to the New Normal

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on July 21, 2020

Apprehensive about post-COVID-19 re-entry? Here we explore some mental steps that you can take now to ease the transition.

Apprehensive about post-COVID-19 re-entry? Here we explore some mental steps that you can take now to ease the transition.

Memory

Memory, Protests, and Pandemic

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on June 19, 2020

Forgetting can be frustrating, but you’ll likely remember what’s important.

Forgetting can be frustrating, but you’ll likely remember what’s important.

Wisdom

Finding Wisdom as We Age

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on May 18, 2020

While scientists haven’t solved the riddle of what makes a person wise, years lived is an important factor.

While scientists haven’t solved the riddle of what makes a person wise, years lived is an important factor.

Relationships

Growing Older and Forging Quality Relationships

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on April 15, 2020

Are your social circles shrinking? Try focusing on their quality.

Are your social circles shrinking? Try focusing on their quality.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Wading Through Crisis

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on March 21, 2020

COVID-19 is impacting the world, but the aging community may help us to see the bright side.

COVID-19 is impacting the world, but the aging community may help us to see the bright side.

Attention

Listening to Every Conversation at the Party

Ryan Daley, Ph.D., Jaclyn Ford, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Kensinger, Ph.D . on February 14, 2020

Having trouble ignoring distractions? This can sometimes be helpful for older adults.

Having trouble ignoring distractions? This can sometimes be helpful for older adults.