Thread: Aging and Multi-tasking

Very interesting article in Wired.com titled 'Brain Scans Show How Multitasking Is Harder for Seniors'...

Brain Scans Show How Multitasking Is Harder for Seniors | Wired Science | Wired.com

I asked my father once when he started noticing that he was not as mentally quick as before. He said at 50 years. I would have to say that has proven about the same for me. I am 58 years old now, and while quite capable mentally, I am noticing some deterioration.

Speaking for myself, and this ties in with the article, if you switch contexts on me too rapidly, I don't do well. And, if someone switches without signaling context switch - "And, talking about changes to the XYZ software module..." - I do even worse. Because of this, I am increasingly seeking out work where I can focus without interruption. (Not always possible!)

Oddly, it seems where extended focus is required, I am actually doing better than younger workers.

I would like to ask for comments by others who have dealt with aging, either observations or maybe ways you adapted or compensated or handled the changes.

I've got a few years on you and I don't find multi tasking an issue. The big issue is short term memory. It's about gone.

I was going to type a reply but the radio was on ..... now I forgot what I was going to say !

Gee I don't even remember the subject of this thread.

We are all different.

In my case I have learned to look at problems deeper
which makes "multi-tasking" more difficult. The "kids"
miss a lot of things in their haste.

And, if you are noticing changes pay attention and be healthy.
The brain needs healthy circulation. The beginning
of circulation problems can be apparent early in the
brain. Circulation problems are subtle but can be addressed
in a number of ways so pay attention. I know better
than to play doctor on the net so I will not.

Maturity does often bring organizational skills. One of which
is keeping discussions and meetings on track. A lot of the new generation
kids flit about ideas like a bee looking for nectar. Organization
can be key to project success so strive for it when you can
without causing a ruckus.

I have a friend that is so ADD that it is not always generational
and medication helps.