The researchers at the Cognitive Aging in Context Laboratory at North Carolina State University are currently engaged in studies examining various aspects of cognitive functioning in older adults. We are particularly interested in understanding the factors associated with changes in cognition that occur during the latter portion of the life span and how these changes impact the ability of older adults to function in their everyday lives. Research is also being conducted examining the impact of non-traditional cognitive interventions such as online video games.

Our Research focuses on 4 broad topics:

1. (1)The real-world functioning of older adults, with an emphasis on the relationship between basic cognitive abilities, everyday cognition, and everyday functioning
   

2. (2)Antecedents of individual differences in elders  basic cognitive functioning
   

3. (3)The modifiability of the aging mind, with particular interest in the adaptive,
   

      real-world outcomes of cognitive interventions

4. (4)Short-term intraindividual variability in cognitive functioning
   

We have also begun an intensive line of research focusing on exmaining the efficacy of  playing video games on improving older adults’ basic and everyday cognition.  More information about this work can be found at www.gainsthroughgaming.org.