Section 3.5 Middle adulthood (40-60 years)

2. Cognitive development in middle adulthood

Cognitive abilities such as vocabulary, general knowledge, and problemsolving skills are generally stable during middle adulthood and may even improve due to accumulated experience. While there may be a slight decline in cognitive processing speed and memory recall, these can often be compensated for through expertise and the use of effective strategies. Middle adulthood is typically characterized by increased wisdom and more practical decision-making.

Raymond Cattell, a British-American psychologist, identified two forms of intelligence that are particularly relevant during this stage: crystallized and fluid intelligence. Crystallized intelligence relies on accumulated knowledge and life experience and tends to remain stable or even increase with age. In contrast, fluid intelligence, which involves basic information-processing abilities such as reasoning and problem-solving, generally begins to decline before or during middle adulthood.

Although cognitive processing speed and the ability to divide attention may slow down, practical problem-solving skills often improve. These skills are crucial for addressing real-world challenges and achieving personal or professional goals. Decision-making in middle adulthood is increasingly influenced by a sense of responsibility toward others, a shift known as the executive stage of cognitive development, which may coexist with gradual cognitive decline.