Human Growth and Development / Unit 15 HGD 2157 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Use It or Lose It
Captions available
The idea
The "use it or lose it" hypothesis holds that fluid decline partly reflects disuse; some research supports it, and older adults rely more on crystallized abilities.
In practice
A retiree who keeps learning languages and playing chess, maintaining skills she exercises.
Where people slip
Cognitive change in late life is modest for most people and not inevitable.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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