Selective Engagement of Cognitive Resources

Abstract

In this article, I present a framework for understanding the impact of aging-related declines in cognitive resources on functioning. I make the assumption that aging is associated with an increase in the costs of cognitive engagement, as reflected in both the effort required to achieve a specific level of task performance and the associated depletion or fatigue effects. I further argue that these costs result in older adults being increasingly selective in the engagement of cognitive resources in response to these declines. This selectivity is reflected in (a) a reduction in the intrinsic motivation to engage in cognitively demanding activities, which, in part, accounts for general reductions in engagement in such activities, and (b) greater sensitivity to the self-related implications of a given task. Both processes are adaptive if viewed in terms of resource conservation, but the former may also be maladaptive to the extent that it results in older adults restricting participation in cognitively demanding activities that could ultimately benefit cognitive health. I review supportive research and make the general case for the importance of considering motivational factors in understanding aging effects on cognitive functioning.

Difficulty, effort and cardiovascular response to a working memory challenge: Older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment

“…Recently, Hess and colleagues applied aspects of the ability analysis above to address questions pertaining to effort and CV responsiveness in older adults (Ennis et al, 2013;Hess, 2014;Hess andEnnis, 2012, 2014;Smith and Hess, 2015). They reasoned that, due to normal (i.e., asymptomatic), age-related declines in cognitive function, older adults should find it more difficult to initiate and maintain cognitive performance.…”

Age differences in empathy: Multidirectional and context-dependent.

“…According to this model, successful aging in the face of an increasingly limited number of resources can be achieved only if individuals invest their remain ing resources selectively into those tasks that are most important to them. Similarly, Hess (2014) argued that aging is associated with increased selectivity in cognitive resource engagement.…”

Informant-Reported Cognitive Decline and Activity Engagement across Four Years in a Community Sample

“…Our findings can be interpreted in the light of the selective engagement hypothesis [3] such that cognitive decline undermines capacity and motivation to undertake cognitively demanding but discretionary intellectual and self-directed problem solving activities; for example, doing maths and chess puzzles, troubleshooting computer issues, and engaging in artistic or organisational activities.…”

“…The "selective engagement" hypothesis [3] posits that declines in cognitive resources are associated with increased selectivity in the activities older people choose to undertake in order to avoid effortful engagement in activities that are not essential to the maintenance of everyday functioning. Selective engagement may be adaptive in the short-term because fatigue and stress are reduced, but theoretically, selective engagement undermines the accumulation of cognitive reserve.…”