Curiosity as a Key Aspect of Adaptive Aging

Curiosity plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive functioning, mental health, and physical health as we age. Research suggests that curiosity is not just limited to younger individuals, but also remains important for older adults. Contrary to the prevailing assumption that curiosity declines with aging, studies have shown that older adults can exhibit enhanced curiosity when exposed to potentially curiosity-evoking stimuli. This challenges the notion that curiosity is exclusively associated with children and suggests that older adults have their own unique forms of curiosity. Understanding the conditions that support and hinder curiosity in older adults can contribute to promoting adaptive aging.