How Thinking Changes with Age: A Look at Men and Women

A recent study examined how thinking skills change with age and their impact on mortality risk. The research focused on men and women aged 55 and older in Zaragoza, Spain, involving over 2,400 participants. Over 12 years, they underwent tests to measure their cognitive abilities.

Key Findings

• Overall Risk: Individuals with a faster decline in thinking skills had a higher risk of dying.
• Gender Differences:
• Men:
• Those with steady but medium thinking skills had a 36% higher risk of dying compared to those with high and stable skills.
• Men with declining skills faced a 133% higher risk.
• Women:
• Those with declining skills had a 133% higher risk.
• Women with medium skills had a 30% higher risk.

Factors Influencing Risk

• Men: Health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and alcohol use played significant roles.
• Women: Factors such as anxiety, dependency on others for daily tasks, and marital status were more influential.

Conclusion

This study is the first to highlight gender differences in cognitive decline and mortality risk. It suggests that tailored health strategies for men and women could be essential for aging populations.