What happens to response time in older adulthood?

In older adulthood, response time typically slows due to a variety of physiological and cognitive changes associated with aging. As individuals age, factors such as decreased processing speed in the brain, longer neural transmission times, and a decline in overall cognitive function can impact how quickly a person can respond to stimuli. This gradual increase in response time can be attributed to both the motor system's efficiency and the cognitive aspects of decision-making and task execution.

Research in motor development shows that the aging process brings about structural changes in the brain and possible reductions in muscle mass and coordination, all of which contribute to the slower response times seen in older adults compared to their younger counterparts. Consequently, older adults may find it increasingly difficult to react quickly in situations that demand prompt responses, which has important implications for activities of daily living, safety, and overall quality of life.