Optimal Cognitive Offloading: Increased Reminder Usage But Reduced Proreminder Bias in Older Adults

Research into prospective memory suggests that older adults may face particular difficulties remembering delayed intentions. One way to mitigate these difficulties is by using external reminders but relatively little is known about age-related differences in such cognitive offloading strategies. We examined younger and older adults' (N = 88) performance on a memory task where they chose between remembering delayed intentions with internal memory (earning maximum reward per item) or external reminders (earning a reduced reward). This allowed us to distinguish (a) the absolute number of reminders used versus (b) the proreminder or antireminder bias, compared with each individual's optimal strategy. Older adults used more reminders overall, as might be expected, because they also had poorer memory performance. However, when compared against the optimal strategy weighing the costs versus benefits of reminders, it was only the younger adults who had a proreminder bias. Younger adults overestimated the benefit of reminders, whereas older adults underestimated it. Therefore, even when aging is associated with increased use of external memory aids overall, it can also be associated with reduced preference for external memory support, relative to the objective need for such support. This age-related difference may be driven at least in part by metacognitive processes, suggesting that metacognitive interventions could lead to improved use of cognitive tools.

Automated summary

Research suggests that older adults may have difficulties remembering delayed intentions. External reminders can help alleviate these difficulties, but little is known about age differences in cognitive offloading strategies. This study examined younger and older adults' performance on a memory task involving internal memory and external reminders. Results showed that older adults used more reminders overall, but only younger adults had a bias towards reminders. Therefore, while older adults use more external memory aids, they have a reduced preference for external memory support compared to their actual need.