Effects of age-related decline of visual attention, working memory and planning functions on use of IT-equipment

Authors: SUTO, SATORU; KUMADA, TAKATSUNE

Source: Japanese Psychological Research, Volume 52, Number 3, September 2010 , pp. 201-215(15)

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Abstract:

The effects of age-related decline of cognitive functions, such as visual attention, working memory and planning functions on use of IT-equipment were investigated. Older participants (n = 34; aged 65-73 years) were divided into two groups based on AIST-cognitive aging test (AIST-CAT) scores. They were then asked to purchase a reserved seat for the Japanese bullet train, using a ticket vending machine. The results showed that: (a) the decline in visual attention caused a disruption in searching for objects on the screen; (b) the decline in working memory interrupted maintaining subgoals; and (c) information related to subgoals; and the decline in planning function, interrupted constructing and maintaining a behavior sequence for operating a ticket vending machine. These results indicate that the age-related decline of cognitive functions is differentially related to problems with using IT-equipment.

Keywords: cognitive aging; visual attention; working memory; planning function; usability for older adults

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5884.2010.00438.x

Affiliations: 1: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

Publication date: 2010-09-01