Final answer:
Older adults commonly experience cognitive changes such as a decline in fluid intelligence and sensory perception, which can be mitigated through mental and physical activity, social connectivity, and certain dietary and rehabilitative interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some cognitive changes that older adults might experience include a decline in both fluid intelligence (such as information processing abilities, reasoning, and memory) and, to a lesser extent, crystallized intelligence. However, engagement in mental and physical activities has been shown to help delay the onset of cognitive decline and reduce the incidence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Nearly half of the population over 85 exhibit at least mild cognitive impairment, with disorders like Alzheimer's disease becoming more common.
Older adults may experience a decline in sensory perception and decreased brain cell count. Physical activity and maintaining social connectivity can help preserve cognitive functions. Cognitive rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments, like adhering to a Mediterranean diet, can mitigate some cognitive impairments. Furthermore, virtual reality is being explored as a cognitive rehabilitative method for addressing daily living activities, memory, and language skills.