Use It—and Keep It, Longer, Probably: A Reply to Salthouse (2006)
Abstract
In this article, I call into serious question Salthouse's (2006) conclusions evaluating and disparaging the validity of the "use it or lose it" hypothesis regarding mental exercise and mental aging. I do so, in some part, by using data not discussed by Salthouse. The core of my argument relies heavily on a critical assessment of the conclusions that Salthouse derived from both his theoretical reasoning and his review of the literature. The more judicious conclusion I reach is that, although the whole story regarding cognitive function and aging is not known, at some level and to some degree, "using" it often delays the eventuality of "losing" it.
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Salthouse's critique was based primarily on the construct validity of Schooler's measures of cognition.
“Salthouse's critique was based primarily on the construct validity of Schooler's measures of cognition (see Schooler, 2007).”
From Enrichment Effects on Adult Cognitive Development: Can the Functional Capacity of Older Adults Be Preserved and Enhanced? (2008) · cites this paper as Schooler, 2007
Cites
Mental Exercise and Mental Aging: Evaluating the Validity of the “Use It or Lose It” Hypothesis
Salthouse, T. A. (2006) · Perspectives on Psychological Science · doi:10.1111/j.1745-6916.2006.00005.x · Cited by 679 · see citing works
Schooler, C., Mulatu, M. S., & Oates, G. (1999) · Psychology and Aging · doi:10.1037/0882-7974.14.3.483 · Cited by 435 · see citing works
Self-citationTransfer of a Speed of Processing Intervention to Near and Far Cognitive Functions
Edwards, J. D., Wadley, V. G., Myers, R. S., Roenker, D. L., Cissell, G. M., & Ball, K. K. (2002) · Gerontology · doi:10.1159/000065259 · Cited by 208 · see citing works
Bosma, H., van Boxtel, M. P. J., Ponds, R. W. H. M., Jelicic, M., Houx, P., Metsemakers, J., & Jolles, J. (2002) · Zeitschrift f�r Gerontologie und Geriatrie · doi:10.1007/s00391-002-0080-y · Cited by 127 · see citing works
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Hertzog, C., Kramer, A. F., Wilson, R. S., & Lindenberger, U. (2008) · Psychological Science in the Public Interest · doi:10.1111/j.1539-6053.2009.01034.x · Cited by 1,495 · see citing works
Mental work demands, retirement, and longitudinal trajectories of cognitive functioning.
Fisher, G. G., Stachowski, A., Infurna, F. J., Faul, J. D., Grosch, J., & Tetrick, L. E. (2014) · Journal of Occupational Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0035724 · Cited by 236 · see citing works
- Authors
- Schooler, C.
- Affiliations
- National Institute of Mental Health (US)
- Corresponding author
- Schooler, Carmi
- Venue
- Perspectives on Psychological Science
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2007-03
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 24-29
- ISSN
- 1745-6916 (ISSN-L)
- 1745-6924
- OpenAlex
- W2168720412
- Cited by
- 58
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 4 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 7.76
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Perspectives on Psychological Science (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
- Keywords
- mental exercise, cognitive aging, cognitive function, cognitive reserve, cognitive decline
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