Environmental topography and postural control demands shape aging-associated decrements in spatial navigation performance.
This study tests the hypothesis that aging-induced cognitive permeation of sensorimotor functions contributes to adult age differences in spatial navigation performance. Virtual maze-like museums were projected in front of a treadmill. Sixteen 20-30-year-old men and sixteen 60-70-year-old men performed a way-finding task in city-block or variable topographies while walking with or without support. Walking support attenuated age-related decrements in navigational learning. Navigation load increased trunk-angle variability for older adults only. Age differences in spatial knowledge persisted despite perfect place-finding performance. City-block topography was easier than variable topography for younger adults only, indicating age-related differences in reliance on spatial relational learning. Attempts at supporting older adults' navigation performance should consider sensorimotor/cognitive interactions and qualitative differences in navigational activity.
Lövdén
Martin
M
Max Planck Institute for Human Development.
Schellenbach
Michael
M
Max Planck Institute for Human Development.
Grossman-Hutter
Barbara
B
Saarland University.
Krüger
Antonio
A
Saarland University.
Lindenberger
Ulman
U
0000-0001-8428-6453
Max Planck Institute for Human Development.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D013028:Space Perception; D013037:Spatial Behavior