The Elderly React Slowly Because They Want To Be Right

By Christie Nicholson
(Click here for the original article and podcast)

Older folks may appear to react or process info slowly. But there may be a method to their meander-ness: they’re making sure they get it right. 

Scientists gave undergrads and adults over 60 visual tests. In one, a computer screen would show an array of asterisks and the subjects had to choose as fast as they could whether there were between 31 and 50 or between 51 and 70. In a second test, the subjects saw a string of letters and quickly decided whether the letters spelled a real English word or not.

The researchers found little difference in accuracy between the younger and older subjects, although undergrads had significantly faster response times. But the older participants’ slower response times were not all the result of a decline in skills. In other tests, the older subjects were encouraged to decide faster, and their response times greatly decreased with hardly any loss of accuracy.

The researchers think it might be a greater desire to avoid mistakes that makes the elderly more deliberate. Because, as the old adage says: if you don’t have time to do something right, how will you find the time to do it again?

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Comments

[authorized-user]

06:19 PM on 01/04/2012

Do you want to be first or do you want to be right?

Old timers don't have enough time to do things twice.

[spkninglsh]

08:27 AM on 01/04/2012

If you never turn of your blinker, you'll be right 50% of the time.

[midwesthousewife]

09:13 PM on 01/03/2012

When I first moved into an Eskimo community (and before I get all the usual corrections, I use the name Eskimo because more people understand that than Inuit or Alaska native), my first impression was that the people seemed mentally "slow"--young and old. When asked a question, there would be a pause before anyone gave an answer. I quickly learned my error. In their culture, a correct answer to a question historically could have meant the difference between life and death in such an unforgiving climate. Their rule was to wait with an answer until they were certain it was correct and complete.

[belldn3]

07:49 PM on 01/03/2012

Constant constipation?

[rwhufpostdeb]

06:55 PM on 01/03/2012

because they've been thru the spanking mill so many times they've learned to think things thru some times really thru.

[RetiredRN2]

06:04 PM on 01/03/2012

This is such a bunch of shi-. Seniors respond more slowly because we are 'retired'. We don't have to rush around like the rest of the world. As far as us wanting to be 'right'? There is no WANTING to be right, WE ARE RIGHT. The rest of you haven't lived long enough to understand all aspects/phases of LIFE yet. Walk a mile in our shoes and you will then UNDERSTAND.

[bluefalcon06]

06:29 PM on 01/03/2012

If we are lucky, then one day we will be walking around in your shoes.

[bluefalcon06]

06:29 PM on 01/03/2012

What I mean is if we are lucky to live that long.

[Thomas Stieglitz]

05:36 PM on 01/03/2012

A lot can't hear very well either which adds to the situation.

[mikej088]

05:10 PM on 01/03/2012

Being a "senior" myself, I believe in the old saying........."Do you want it today, or do you want it right"

[joynerz]

05:04 PM on 01/03/2012

Old folks have determined that 'kneejerk' responses are not the way to go.

[rdk70816]

04:58 PM on 01/03/2012

Young folks like to do it wrong.

[badunion]

04:16 PM on 01/03/2012

I'm old, let me say this slowly, Obama is a true Marxist, there ,thoughtfully said, now vote carefully and be right, not left, thankyou.

[londonwitch]

04:49 PM on 01/03/2012

I am joining you I am old, and the reason we move more slowly, we are super careful and have learned to look before we leap. I will be out there voting alongside with you, and I can only hope that people do not say, I don't like that person, I am not going to vote. We need to pull in the college kids, they are nonchalant and tend to stay home.

[joynerz]

05:05 PM on 01/03/2012

Old age does not necessarily begat wisdom.

[Leon Engelun]

03:35 PM on 01/03/2012

When young I used to do things fast. Working fast, eating fast, skating fast, running fast, driving fast, everything was fast. Now that I am old everything seems to be going by fast. I slow down in hopes to make everything slow down. I might be getting really old fast, but I ain't in any hurry to die yet. Slow down and savor life.

[greenfinpopfish2]

02:53 PM on 01/03/2012

When I was a child, I spoke and acted like a child. Now I am old, I still act like a child. My grand-childen love it and find humor in the silly way I act when they are around. Older folks think I've got a crack in my attic a mile wide. I have kept my heart young for my grand-children because I know the hurt and sorrow they will soon face. So I continue to encourage them to laugh at every moment they can. There will be ample of time for tears later.

[rivercathollow]

06:50 PM on 01/03/2012

I was blessed to have a grandfather who made me laugh, and always had time for me. Memories of times with him still bring happy smiles to my face. I am over 65 myself now, and cherish those memories. It sounds as though you are giving your grandchildren the same precious gift, and making wonderful memories for them to keep.

[Lovenhugs]

02:45 PM on 01/03/2012

The reason I take longer to respond is because in my youth I jumped to conclusions too quickly and lived to regret them. I'd say my 6 failed marriages speaks for themselves. LOL I have learned to sometimes just take a bit more time to think if something is the right thing to do, or if there is a plan B. Faster is not always better.

I laugh at the people in sporty fast cars racing by me.........and then they are stopped at the same red light when I pull up. So what did they gain? I know they used a lot more gas than I!!!

I want to wish young and old a very safe and happy New Year!!!!

[londonwitch]

04:53 PM on 01/03/2012

I love it, I feel the same way, I had a corvette behind me the other day, and even though it was only a two lane road, this man decided to pass me in the oncoming lane, I wasn't driving slow I just was doing the speed limit. After he got by me I came to another red light and he was beside me about five blocks from where he passed me, so I blew my horn and waved my hand when I could go he was in the turning lane of a major busy street. Made me laugh, pass me now fool.

[psandysdad]

02:21 PM on 01/03/2012

Is THAT the real reason? Not to hear my kids tell it.

Of course, whenever they say things like "you're just too old" or "you're getting senile", I simply retort 'how many times do I have to tell you-----you can't insult me by telling me stuff I already know.'

Shuts 'em down every time.