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    The Elderly React Slowly Because They Want to Be Right

    Click here to listen to this podcast

    Older folks may appear to react or process info slowly. But there may be a method to their meander-ness: they’re making sure they get it right. 

    Scientists gave undergrads and adults over 60 visual tests. In one, a computer screen would show an array of asterisks and the subjects had to choose as fast as they could whether there were between 31 and 50 or between 51 and 70. In a second test, the subjects saw a string of letters and quickly decided whether the letters spelled a real English word or not.

    The researchers found little difference in accuracy between the younger and older subjects, although undergrads had significantly faster response times. But the older participants’ slower response times were not all the result of a decline in skills. In other tests, the older subjects were encouraged to decide faster, and their response times greatly decreased with hardly any loss of accuracy.

    The researchers think it might be a greater desire to avoid mistakes that makes the elderly more deliberate. Because, as the old adage says: if you don’t have time to do something right, how will you find the time to do it again?

    —Christie Nicholson

    [The above text is a transcript of this podcast.]

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    © 2012 ScientificAmerican.com. All rights reserved.

     

    30 comments

    • xena  •  Reno, Nevada  •  4 mths ago
      It's called 'thinking.' An unusual act these days.
    • Sacagawea  •  4 mths ago
      I spent too much time cleaning up my mistakes so as I grow older, I take my time to get it right the first time. Just moving too fast can spill a jar on the floor. Takes too much time cleaning it up, so I move slower.
    • paradox_62  •  4 mths ago
      Once again, there can be wisdom in age. How many "help" desk people actually listen to your question before throwing any old answer at you? Maybe they should hire the old 64k guard instead of the instant-age kids.
    • A still small voice  •  Deforest, Wisconsin  •  4 mths ago
      yup! Sometimes we realize that the right answer is better than just any old answer.
    • Flay  •  4 mths ago
      Maybe not going off like a rocket about every little perceived slight is a sign of emotional maturity, not age.
    • Mike  •  4 mths ago
      We have always know haste makes waste so what else is new....
    • Lost in Paradoxes  •  4 mths ago
      It isn't because we 'want' to be..it's because we ARE. We're just stalling so you can catch up!
      • Linda 4 mths ago
        Excellent comment, and I agree with you.
    • v r  •  Columbus, Ohio  •  4 mths ago
      Please don't bash us until you have walked in our shoes! My age is 71, Roni
    • USAF VET  •  4 mths ago
      Measure twice, cut once. Spend less!
    • rona  •  4 mths ago
      We don't see the rush any more been there done it. I know how good i am and don"t have to prove it. Many of my younger coworkers cannot keep up with me. You learn to enjoy the moment and get it right the first time.
      • Harry Bailey 4 mths ago
        I have/live with my three nieces, and I do more in one day that they do in a week. And do it before they get out of bed.
    • Jorden  •  4 mths ago
      When you're younger you can do it real fast but older people wanna do it right. But accuracy is just the same and if you make an old person do it fast, he can still do it right. Did I say that right? All right! you right too. right.
    • Cheezy  •  San Diego, California  •  4 mths ago
      I do notice that the elderly do tend to drive more slowly also. Guess they don't want to hit anyone...
      • rona 4 mths ago
        maybe its could be that if I had an acident maybe thing I should not drive or I will not recover as fast as i would if i was in my 20.
      • Harry Bailey 4 mths ago
        No, its because you #$%$ out there are readin, texting eatin and a whole host of other activities that are distracting you from your main task, DRIVING.
      • SheriG 4 mths ago
        LOL! It's MY car and it's paid for. Is yours?
    • Harry Bailey  •  4 mths ago
      Doesn't matter, if your un-lucky enough you'll get old also.
    • Patricia P  •  Akron, Ohio  •  4 mths ago
      I think what also may figure in to the speed of decisions, particularly larger issues, is fear of change. What I've seen with my parents, both of whom are 80, is they have to have a level of comfort with something before they make a decision. So, I've learned to push less and guess what, it works. When they are comfortable, they make the decision. I've also learned to let a whole lot go as I deal with them.
      • diana 4 mths ago
        Yes I tried this approach also but they just forget about it if not pressured to make a decision right away..........go figure
    • Dave  •  Leesburg, Virginia  •  4 mths ago
      When you get old, you aren't going anywhere. So you have patience. People who work are all caught up in their underwear...over time. They have no time for things that take time. Zipping through life, those who work miss out on exactly what it is they hope to acquire. Time to live. You don't need a front porch to sit, relax and observe. There is a lot of joy in doing nothing but sitting on your #$%$ and appreciating life.
    • Allen  •  Fremont, California  •  4 mths ago
      As another saying also goes, "to be young is to be gulliable and adventurous, and to be old resourceful and remousreful."
    • Harry Bailey  •  4 mths ago
      I was brought up to believe If you cant do the job right, why do it at all.
    • Spanky  •  McClellan, California  •  4 mths ago
      I forget...
    • Scootter  •  Troy, Michigan  •  4 mths ago
      As I get more experienced I realize more and more that I have the time to do most things right the first time around. No matter how rushed I feel I take the time. What I have learned is that the time is there even if it seems like it is not. .........I would not make a good soldier any more.......I think too much.......
    • littleheadcat  •  Sanford, North Carolina  •  4 mths ago
      ooooooooooook!
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