Abstract: A cognitive aging model was set up by using the method of Structure EqationModelling (SEW) in the test indicators of 5 cognitive abilities, such as perceptualspeed, mental arithmetic efficiency, working memory, short--term memory and reasoning,and in 232 subjects of 20--79 years of age. The model revealed: (1) Age had anegative effect on speed significantly, and education lab a positive effect on speedsignificantly; (2) The effects of age and education on the nonspeed cognitive abilitieswere mediated by speed, and education had an effect on the nonspeed cognitiveabilities directly. The results indicated that speed was an important mediator ofage--related differences in nonspeed abilities, and education played an important role incognitive aging Process.

Key words: cognition, age, education, stature eqation medelling (SEM)