THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TRAINING ON THE MENTAL ABILITIES OF OLDER ADULTS

Several approaches have been taken to evaluate the effects of physical and mental training interventions on the mental abilities of older ad ults. A selective review of theory-based research suggests that older adults' mental functioning may improve following both forms of trainin g, however, the mechanisms that underlie these changes are not well un derstood. Several multidisciplinary approaches are evaluated that may help to explain how both exercise and mental training interventions ma y modify or offset age-related declines in mental abilities.