Abstract:

The knowledge of age effects on cognitive processes could be very useful in adults learning context. Components of attention and memory are often related to each other; yet the specifications and relationships among these components are not fully understood. The first aim of the present research was to explore the relationship between different memory and attention systems and their possible changes in function of age in a sample of older students attending the local adults school without previous history of regular schooling. Age correlated negatively with visual memory and attentional capacity. Attention and concentration were found to be correlated positively with visual memory. When subjects were divided in two groups in function of age, the younger group (50-64 years old) showed higher scores on attention and concentration (ps < .004) compared to adults between 65 to 79 years old. Results from this research will be useful in order to plan a training program specifically adapted to older people attending adults’ schools.