Aging, Speed of Processing Training, and Everyday Functioning: Implications for Practice and Research

Studies show the importance of speed of processing in performing everyday activities such as safe driving. Unfortunately, normal nonpathological age-related changes in the brain can reduce speed of processing. Fortunately, speed of processing training exercises can improve driving ability, instrumental activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life. Speed of processing training may also prove invaluable in improving speed of processing in more cognitively vulnerable clinical populations, such as those with mild cognitive impairment and those aging with HIV. Implications for practice and research are posited.