Science Weekly Is curiosity the key to ageing well?
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Sep 4, 2025 Recent research reveals that while curiosity may change as we age, it can become more focused and targeted. Experts discuss how maintaining curiosity can enhance cognitive function and memory in older adults. They explore different types of curiosity, from joyful inquiry to darker fascinations. The podcast also highlights the connection between curiosity and lifelong learning, emphasizing its importance for social interactions. Overall, curiosity may be a key factor in achieving successful aging.
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Curiosity Is Intrinsic Motivation
- Curiosity is an intrinsic drive to acquire information without external rewards.
- Matthias Gruber states this motivation activates the brain's reward circuits during anticipation.
Lab Tricks To Trigger Curiosity
- Matthias Gruber describes lab methods: using trivia, blurry images, and social stimuli to induce different curiosities.
- He explains epistemic, perceptual and social curiosity are studied with tailored tasks.
Curiosity Enhances Memory
- Curiosity boosts memory by engaging the hippocampus and reward circuit during anticipation.
- Matthias Gruber reports curiosity predicts better recall for both targeted and incidental information.