The link between language and action in aging. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bidet-Ildei, Christel; Beauprez, Sophie-Anne; Boucard, Geoffroy
• Is Part Of: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics. Volume 90(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: action verb processing -- aging -- action observation -- motor simulation -- embodiment; Aging -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.26
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-4943

Abstract

Highlights: We evaluated the evolution of the link between action and language in aging No difference appears for congruent and incongruent conditions in older participants The link between language and action has deteriorated for old participants Abstract: Objective: Many studies have demonstrated the existence of a link between action verb processing and action. However, little is known about the changes in this relationship with aging. Method: To assess this point, we compare the performances of younger and older people during a priming task consisting of judging whether an image contains a human after listening to an action verb. Results: In accordance with previous literature, the results showed that younger people were faster to detect the presence of a human in the image in congruent conditions, namely, when the action verb and the image refer to the same action. However, this effect was not present in older adults' participants. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the link between action and language decreases with age. We discuss these findings in the context of the embodied view of cognition.