Age-Related Changes in Field Dependence–Independence and Implications for Geriatric Rehabilitation: A Review

Abstract

Human aging is a dynamic life-long process and an inevitable experience. As the average age of the world's population rises, demands for effective geriatric rehabilitation dramatically increase. An important consideration for enhancing geriatric behavioral interventions is to better understand aging characteristics in perceptual, cognitive, and motor performances. A general shift in cognitive style from field independence to field dependence has been consistently observed during human aging, as older adults show a greater tendency to rely on environmental information, presumably reflecting a neuro-compensatory mechanism of reducing top-down control and relying instead on bottom-up processing. These changes in cognitive style can impact motor skill learning and relearning and, consequently, affect geriatric rehabilitation and behavioral treatments. In this article, we review research related to the cognitive style of field dependence and independence, and its dynamic associations with aging. We also identify implications of cognitive style for geriatric rehabilitation and explore future research.

Feasibility of an online cognitive behavioral therapy program to improve insomnia, mood, and quality of life in bereaved adults ages 55 and older

“…This age group was chosen for two reasons: (a) because insomnia in older adults can lead to high levels of functional problems, including poor memory and attention, and slower response times (Ancoli-Israel & Cooke, 2005) and (b) age 55 and older is the cut-off age which aligns with other psychiatric studies involving older adults (Chen, Stevinson, Fang, Taun and Ku, 2019;Morita, Sasai-Sakuma, and Inoue, 2017). Use of online CBT-I programs in older adults has not been explored, and there are differences with this population, i.e., verbal learning, subjective organization, environment cue dependence, that might impact the benefit they receive from participation in the program (Chan & Yan, 2018;Kurtz & Zimprich, 2014).…”

Perceptual-motor styles

“…Since its introduction, the Rod and Frame Test has been used to assess perceptual-cognitive styles in several different conditions, from educational to sports and clinical contexts (e.g. Chan and Yan 2018 ; Evans et al 2013 ).…”

İnter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the extended TUG test in elderly participants

“…A possible explanation for these differences could be the characteristic pattern of the gait and the mobility of the elderly, which reflect postural and balance changes as psychomotor skills diminish [27]. The prevalence of gait disorders increases progressively as a person ages [28]. Specifically, 85% of people aged 60 years have a normal gait pattern, whereas this figure drops to 20% in those older than 85 years [28].…”

“…The prevalence of gait disorders increases progressively as a person ages [28]. Specifically, 85% of people aged 60 years have a normal gait pattern, whereas this figure drops to 20% in those older than 85 years [28]. When referring to agerelated changes, some researchers use the term 'senile gait disorders' to describe patterns in the elderly that include a slow pace, a broad base and walking cautiously [27], and these changes might justify the lack of precision when performing the Extended TUG test.…”

“…The difference observed between the groups could be partly due to the normal physiological changes that occur as the body ages [27]. These changes affect mobility, with mobility defined as the ability to move in the environment easily and without restriction, therefore as the function of other organs that contribute to this complex physiological activity decrease, this reduced function might be reflected in the walking speed [28], which can be evaluated, for example, using the Extended TUG test.…”