Angela L. Duckworth
Angela L. Duckworth
Psychologist and Science Author 05 January, 2023

IQ, is a measure of cognitive abilities and potential. IQ tests are standardized assessments that aim to measure an individual’s cognitive abilities and potential. These tests are often used in educational and occupational settings to determine academic and career potential, and can be administered to individuals of all ages. One of the common questions that arise when considering taking an IQ test is whether IQ changes with age.

Research on the relationship between IQ and age has yielded mixed results. Some studies have found that IQ scores tend to decrease slightly as individuals age, while others have found no significant change in IQ scores with age. However, there is a general agreement that cognitive abilities and intellectual functioning can change over time, and that the relationship between IQ and age is complex and multifaceted.

One of the main factors that can influence IQ scores is the decline of fluid intelligence, which refers to the ability to reason abstractly, solve problems, and learn new information. Fluid intelligence tends to peak in early adulthood and then decline as individuals age. However, this decline can be mitigated by maintaining cognitively stimulating activities, such as reading, playing games, and engaging in social activities.

Another factor that can influence IQ scores is the decline of working memory, which refers to the ability to temporarily store and manipulate information. Working memory also tends to decline as individuals age.

On the other hand, crystallized intelligence, which refers to the accumulation of knowledge and skills acquired over a lifetime, tends to increase with age. This is why older adults may perform better on certain tests that rely on accumulated knowledge and skills.

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