Final answer:
Among the given options, procedural memory (C) is the cognitive ability maintained as we age. While episodic and working memory decline, procedural memory, involves skills and actions, remains relatively stable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cognitive ability maintained as we age, among the options provided, is C) Procedural memory. While other cognitive processes such as episodic and working memory tend to decline, procedural memory, which involves knowing 'how' to do things, such as riding a bicycle or typing on a keyboard, is typically preserved. This type of memory relies on different brain structures than those affected by the normal aging process.
As we age, it's observed that our semantic memory, which includes general knowledge and facts about the world, can also be maintained or even improve. These aspects of memory contribute to what is known as crystallized intelligence, which is the accumulation of knowledge, facts, and skills that are acquired throughout life.
Meanwhile, episodic memory, which is the ability to recall personal experiences and specific events, often declines with age. Working memory, a form of short-term memory that involves the active manipulation of information, also tends to weaken as we grow older. Therefore, procedural memory stands out as the most resilient cognitive process in the context of aging.