I want this to be true, but I do not know who this Aaron guy is and I do not have the time or skills to check the sources. Not sure what to do about that. Wait and see if this is something I see bubble up as some kind of accepted thing among scientists involved in those kinds of studies?
Here's what Perplexity Pro deep research has to say about it (pasting only the conclusion for brevity):
The article's claim that cognitive ability peaks between ages 50-60 contains elements of truth but is misleading in its breadth and certainty. While longitudinal research does show that cognitive decline is less severe and starts later than cross-sectional studies suggested, the evidence does not support a simple peak in the 50-60 range for overall cognitive ability.
Key takeaways:
Crystallized intelligence may continue improving into the 50s and 60s
Different cognitive abilities peak at different ages
Individual variation is enormous
Methodological issues in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies complicate interpretation
The 50-60 "peak" claim oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted process
Rather than a single peak age range, the evidence supports a differentiated model of cognitive aging where various abilities follow distinct trajectories, with substantial individual differences influenced by health, education, lifestyle, and genetic factors.
Firstly for everyone this is obviously a generalised statement. However cognitive ability can be improved by changing ways we learn and do, ways we approach tasks, and using the right resources or support networks. Therefore whilst the older amongst us may not be able to brute force a task or subject matter like I did at one point in my life, I now have the knowledge to make better connections between pieces of information and I think that gives me a greater ability to learn overall. My methods as a teen were not optimal, they just appear better due to some success, but I feel I'm at my peak now despite going thru some health issues that has actually caused me to have to work around many things from number of useful hours, to less ability to concentrate. I feel that I am better than ever at prioritising, and analysing what is key and what is just frivolous time sinks that will serve me no purpose.
Firstly, everyone is different and also what worked for one person in their 20's may not work in their 30's. Don't write yourself off, find ways to try out new things and new methods of learning. You can still do lots of cool things.
Cognitive ability or performance? I can imagine that being in your 50s you would hit a sweet spot between declining ability to learn new things and a vast body of knowledge and skills already acquired.
I think the 50's, 60's and 70's (and beyond) are highly correlated with the challenges we take on.
Children thrive on regular, daily, habitual challenges, mental, social and physical. But so do people in their 90's.
The amount of regression or hard limits on progression associated with aging, that are actually inherent to aging, are surprising small.
Although, reversing long term regressions gets more difficult. And we can run into impediments and unfortunate events beyond of our control at any age, but age makes us more vulnerable.
I want this to be true, but I do not know who this Aaron guy is and I do not have the time or skills to check the sources. Not sure what to do about that. Wait and see if this is something I see bubble up as some kind of accepted thing among scientists involved in those kinds of studies?
Here's what Perplexity Pro deep research has to say about it (pasting only the conclusion for brevity):
The article's claim that cognitive ability peaks between ages 50-60 contains elements of truth but is misleading in its breadth and certainty. While longitudinal research does show that cognitive decline is less severe and starts later than cross-sectional studies suggested, the evidence does not support a simple peak in the 50-60 range for overall cognitive ability.
Key takeaways:
Crystallized intelligence may continue improving into the 50s and 60s
Different cognitive abilities peak at different ages
Individual variation is enormous
Methodological issues in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies complicate interpretation
The 50-60 "peak" claim oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted process
Rather than a single peak age range, the evidence supports a differentiated model of cognitive aging where various abilities follow distinct trajectories, with substantial individual differences influenced by health, education, lifestyle, and genetic factors.
Personally I feel like that conclusion is vague and kinda sucks
Firstly for everyone this is obviously a generalised statement. However cognitive ability can be improved by changing ways we learn and do, ways we approach tasks, and using the right resources or support networks. Therefore whilst the older amongst us may not be able to brute force a task or subject matter like I did at one point in my life, I now have the knowledge to make better connections between pieces of information and I think that gives me a greater ability to learn overall. My methods as a teen were not optimal, they just appear better due to some success, but I feel I'm at my peak now despite going thru some health issues that has actually caused me to have to work around many things from number of useful hours, to less ability to concentrate. I feel that I am better than ever at prioritising, and analysing what is key and what is just frivolous time sinks that will serve me no purpose.
By 30, I knew something was wrong. Then it was all downhill for me after my mid-30s.
I don’t know what all this shit is about peaking at 50.
Firstly, everyone is different and also what worked for one person in their 20's may not work in their 30's. Don't write yourself off, find ways to try out new things and new methods of learning. You can still do lots of cool things.
Cognitive ability or performance? I can imagine that being in your 50s you would hit a sweet spot between declining ability to learn new things and a vast body of knowledge and skills already acquired.
Wow, I hope it isn't 50!
I think the 50's, 60's and 70's (and beyond) are highly correlated with the challenges we take on.
Children thrive on regular, daily, habitual challenges, mental, social and physical. But so do people in their 90's.
The amount of regression or hard limits on progression associated with aging, that are actually inherent to aging, are surprising small.
Although, reversing long term regressions gets more difficult. And we can run into impediments and unfortunate events beyond of our control at any age, but age makes us more vulnerable.
Donald Knuth enters the room...