A wise person once said…
Older people are wiser and better decision-makers than younger people, according to a new study released by UT and Texas A&M University psychologists. The study revealed people over the age of 60 years tend to learn from situations and make better, long-term decisions than young adults in their late teens and early 20s.
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Older people are wiser and better decision-makers than younger people, according to a new study released by UT and Texas A&M University psychologists.
The study revealed people over the age of 60 years tend to learn from situations and make better, long-term decisions than young adults in their late teens and early 20s. One of the study’s lead researchers, professor of psychology at Texas A&M University, Darrell Worthy, told The Daily Texan, “the study [did not] at all suggest older people have poor memory compared to young adults”.
“When past behaviour influences choice of decision, older adults make choices that yield better long-term results than young adults,” Professor Worthy said.
Researchers claimed the findings were “common-sense”, saying it almost stated “the obvious”.
“The longer you live, the more experiences you have and you would make better judgements. It’s a product of life,” they said.
According to Karen Fingerman, professor of human development and family sciences, “people do not lose their mental abilities as they get older”.
“You have gains and losses. Older adults usually do better in knowledge because they have more knowledge…people often lose their speed as they get older,” Professor Fingerman told The Daily Texan.
She said stereotypes about ageing and loss of mental capabilities result from “older people noticing the losses, but not their accumulated gains”.
Researchers of the study have now begun to track which parts of the brain react in the decision-making process.
Do you agree older people are wiser and better decision-makers than younger people? Share your thoughts on this study in the comment box below.
