Redefining Memory Decline in Old Age

Neuroscientist Sonia Lupien's research challenges the common belief of memory decline in older adults by emphasizing the impact of stress on memory performance. The chapter proposes a fairer experiment that shows older adults can perform as well as college students when stress factors are controlled. It discusses societal attitudes towards aging, the development of compensatory mechanisms in old age, and the shift towards optimism and contentment as individuals grow older.