Age-related differences in basic cognitive processes: implications for work.

Negative relationships between age and proficiency in many basic cognitive processes have been well documented in the research literature, and there is also evidence that work performance is positively related to the efficiency of basic cognitive processes. It does not necessarily follow, however, that increased age is a handicap in most occupational situations, because experience may play an important role in moderating the influence of age on work performance. The relationships among age, experience, and performance both in basic cognitive tasks and in more complex work environments are briefly discussed.