Walking while memorizing: Age-related differences in compensatory behavior

This study investigated predictions of the life-span theory of selection, o ptimization, and compensation, focusing on different patterns of task prior ity during dual-task performance in younger and older adults. Cognitive (me morizing) and sensorimotor (walking a narrow track) performance were measur ed singly, concurrently, and when task difficulty was manipulated. Use of e xternal aids was measured to provide another index of task priority. Before dual-task testing, participants received extensive training with each comp onent task and external aid. Age differences in dual-task costs were greate r in memory performance than in walking, suggesting that older adults prior itized walking over memory. Further, when given a choice of compensatory ex ternal aids to use, older adults optimized walking, whereas younger adults optimized memory performance. The results have broad implications for syste mic theories of cognitive and sensorimotor aging, and the costs and benefit s of assistive devices and environmental support for older populations.