Aging - Common Cause Hypothesis

Question 1

Christensen, Makinnon, Korten, & Jorm, 2001

Answer 1

• Sensory, language, and other cognitive measures load on one common factor (Christensen, Makinnon, Korten, & Jorm, 2001) – effects of age seen on visual functioning and grip strength after controlling for several demographic variables

Question 2

Lindenberger & Baltes, 1994

Answer 2

• Sensory functioning (visual and auditory acuity) is a strong late-life predictor of individual differences in intellectual functioning (14 tests measuring speed, reasoning, memory, knowledge, and fluency)

Question 3

Baltes & Lindenberger, 1997

Answer 3

• Average proportion of individual differences in intellectual functioning (14 tests measuring 5 indicators if intelligence) accounted for by sensory functioning (visual and auditory acuity) increased from 11% in adulthood (25-69) to 31% in old age (70-103). Authors hypothesize this relationship may reflect brain aging.