Final answer:
Age affects human reaction times as studies show older adults typically experience a slowdown in cognitive functions including reflexes, due to physiological changes in the brain. Likewise, young children have longer reaction times due to undeveloped neurology. Staying mentally and physically active can mitigate some of the decline in older adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
Does Age Affect Human Reaction Times?
Yes, age does affect human reaction times. Studies have shown a correlation between aging and a decline in cognitive and physical abilities, which can contribute to slower reaction times. Physical and cognitive changes in old age include decreased stamina, strength, reflex times, and sensory perceptions. The aging brain experiences degeneration, such as the weakening of corticostriatal connections, which impacts cognitive functions related to reaction time. This degeneration can cause older individuals to be slower and make more errors when responding to stimuli.
On the other side of the age spectrum, young children also have longer reaction times compared to adults, which can be attributed to their immature neurology. As adults, cognitive abilities, specifically crystallized intelligence, tend to hold steady or even improve into middle age, while fluid intelligence—key to reaction time—can begin to decline in late adulthood. Continuing to engage in mentally and physically stimulating activities has been found to help delay the onset of cognitive decline.
Overall, while there are individual differences in how aging affects reaction time, both very young and older populations tend to exhibit longer reaction times when compared to those in their peak adult years.