How reading and arithmetic can prevent cognitive aging
Reading and arithmetic skills do not necessarily decline with age. If used continuously, they can even be kept stable and increased.
03/12/2025 · News · ifo Institut Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung an der Universität München e. V. · Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften, Raumwissenschaften · Forschungsergebnis
Reading and arithmetic skills do not necessarily decline with age. They can even be kept stable and increased, if they are used continuously. These are the findings of a study by researchers from the ifo Institute, Stanford University and DIW Berlin, which was published today in the “Science Advances” journal. “Our results clearly show that learning opportunities for adults, referred to as lifelong learning, can be highly beneficial in maintaining cognitive performance in companies and society as a whole,” says ifo education expert Ludger Wößmann.
According to the study, cognitive skills increase on average up to the mid-40s and remain stable up to the age of 65 with active use. Academics and office workers, in particular, with regular use show sustained improvements even after the age of 40. According to the study, a decline in skills mainly occurs in people who make below-average use of their literacy and numeracy.
The findings contradict earlier studies, which incorrectly concluded from comparisons of younger and older people at one point in time that abilities decline from their late 20s. They alleviate the concern that the aging of society due to cognitive aging could lead to a loss of economic prosperity. This is because basic mathematical and linguistic skills are of key importance for the incomes that can be achieved on the labor market and for economic growth.
“It is helpful to regularly challenge your own cognitive skills, whether through complex professional tasks or mentally demanding activities in everyday life,” says Wößmann. “To achieve positive development, skills need to be stimulated through regular use,” adds Frauke Witthöft, co-author of the study.
The study is based on a unique longitudinal analysis of the German adult panel PIAAC-L (Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies), which measures individual changes in literacy and numeracy skills over a period of three to four years.