Final answer:
Memory declines related to aging predominantly affect working memory, characterized by reduced capacity and increased difficulty filtering interference. The prefrontal lobe and hippocampus, which are crucial for new memory formation, are affected in the aging process, leading to consolidation issues, while procedural memory tends to remain intact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Memory declines linked to the natural aging process are primarily limited to working memory, often referred to as short-term memory. Aging can result in decreased capacity of working memory, as well as the ability to filter interference from irrelevant information, according to the research on aging and cognitive functions. The brain's ability to manage memory works through three primary functions: encoding, storage, and retrieving information. As people age, the part of the brain involved in forming and retaining new short-term memories—the prefrontal lobe—may begin to show a decline in efficiency.
Moreover, the hippocampus, crucial for transferring short-term memories to long-term storage, can also be affected by age, further impacting the consolidation of new memories. Despite these changes, older adults generally maintain their procedural memory, which involves the performance of automatic skills and habits.