Physical Tasks Distract Older Adults More Than Younger Adults.

Older adults are more likely to be distracted by irrelevant items while performing physical tasks, compared to younger adults. A new study evaluated the interaction between physical exertion and short-term memory performance in the presence or absence of distractions. Under high physical effort, older adults were less able to ignore distracting information and focus on relevant information, suggesting that age-related cognitive declines may be amplified during simultaneous physical actions. These findings highlight the need for further understanding of the interaction between cognitive and physical actions as we age.