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3w ago

Study Reveals Rising Curiosity in Older Adults and Its Link to Brain Health

Research shows state curiosity increases after midlife, offering potential strategies to reduce dementia risk and foster lifelong learning.

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Curiosity-driven learning is more likely to engage the brain’s prefrontal cortex, essential for reasoning skills
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Overview

  • A new study published in PLOS One finds that while general curiosity (trait curiosity) declines with age, specific topic interest (state curiosity) increases significantly after middle age.
  • Researchers suggest that engaging in curiosity-driven activities, such as hobbies or learning new skills, may bolster cognitive health and reduce dementia risk.
  • The study, involving 1,200 participants aged 20 to 84, highlights how life changes in later years, like reduced responsibilities, allow older adults to rediscover the joy of learning.
  • Experts emphasize the need for structural support in workplaces and communities to transform momentary curiosity into sustained habits for long-term cognitive and organizational benefits.
  • The findings align with selectivity theory, which suggests older adults focus on learning what matters most to them, enhancing both mental resilience and personal fulfillment.