Theory of mind in older adults. The role of social and cognitive activity.
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Abstract
Theory of Mind (ToM) is defined as the ability to attribute mental states in order to understand and predict the behaviour of others. Studies on ToM in older adults show conflicting data (whether it remains stable, continues to evolve or experiences a decline) because the cognitive abilities underlying the different components of ToM (Implicit ToM, Explicit ToM) evolve differently with age and experience. This study aims to examine the role of cognitive reserve and current social and cognitive activity in age-associated changes in implicit ToM. A sample of healthy older adults (N= 157) aged 58-87 years from the province of Malaga was examined. The instruments used for the assessment were the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test and a social and cognitive activity questionnaire. The results indicate that implicit ToM decreases with age and that it is directly related to the implicit ToM ability, the experience of social and intellectual interaction throughout life and the socio-cognitive activity that the elderly maintain in the present. These findings are of relevance for the development of intervention programmes for the promotion of social cognition in older adults and the improvement of general psychological well-being.
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