Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood
Crystallized and fluid intelligence
increase. Crystallized intelligence has to do with accumulated knowledge and
experience. Fluid intelligence has to do with information processing skills.
Some people’s intelligence begins to decline in their 40s because of disease or
unfavorable environments.
Information processing slows down. This makes it harder for middle-aged people
to divide their attention and switch from one thing to another. Memory also
declines.
Practical problem solving is something that also increases in middle adulthood.
This is probably due to the development of expertise.