Final answer:
Memory decline with age, documented by research past 60 years, involves reductions in processing speed and neural circuit integrity. Memory decay and proactive interference are critical factors affecting memory retention. Engaging in stimulating activities and a healthy diet can help mitigate cognitive decline.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the phenomenon of cognitive decline in memory functioning with age, especially noticeable in tasks such as remembering newspaper articles, recalling movies, conversations, grocery lists, and medication schedules. This decline is extensively documented in both longitudinal and cross-sectional research, which shows deterioration particularly beyond the age of 60. A crucial element in memory functioning is processing speed, which also tends to decrease with age. The breakdown of neural circuits plays a significant role in this decline of memory, risking evolution into more profound cognitive impairments like mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Researchers have linked memory decay to two main factors, memory trace decay and interference. Memory trace decay is characterized by the degradation of memory over time, as seen in the study by Peterson and Peterson on short-term memory. Meanwhile, interference is seen in Keppel and Underwood's work where proactive interference impedes the ability to learn and retain new information.
Retaining long-term memory capacity and preventing cognitive decline may benefit from engagement in mentally and physically stimulating activities. This could include adopting a healthy diet, as suggested by the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet, and employing cognitive rehabilitative methods like virtual reality to stimulate daily living activities.