The Long Beach Longitudinal Study: evaluation of longitudinal effects of aging on memory and cognition.

This article outlines the purposes, design, and findings of the Long Beach Longitudinal Study, a multipanel study of adults aged 28 through the upper reaches of the life span. The goal of the study is to identify normal short- and long-term longitudinal changes in memory and cognition across adulthood, and to develop models to explain cognitive changes. Descriptive findings of 3- and 16-year longitudinal change patterns are identified, as well as results suggesting the role of cognitive processing resources and intellectual ability in memory change. Change patterns of the oldest-old, who differ from less elderly adults, are discussed.