Tactile Experience Does Not Ameliorate Age-Related Reductions in Sensory Function

Background/Study Context: Sensory function degrades with age, with well-established reductions in tactile spatial acuity, vibrotactile sensitivity, and thermosensation, to name but three aspects of perception. Such age-related losses might be partially stemmed by ongoing experience with tasks requiring high levels of manual dexterity or analogous tactile expertise; individuals who are highly expert in skills that have a fundamental tactile component can show improved tactile function as compared with nonexperts. Methods: Eighty individuals (17 males, 63 females) in the 18–58 age range were assessed on their tactile experience, as measured by self-assessment on a variety of tasks and competencies, each of which required a high level of skill with the hands. Tactile sensory performance, manual dexterity (“haptic efficiency”), and the subjective response to tactile stimulation were quantified. Results: Degradation in tactile sensory acuity with age was confirmed, but no strong evidence was found for variatio...