Abstract: A study on age-related cognitive speed slowing and the learning-improving processes was accomplished by using the method of man-computer interaction in arithmetic, symbol-digit, digit discrimination and count tasks. The subjects were 350 volunteers of 46 to 75 years of age. The results indicated that the cognitive speed of all the tasks showed progressively with increased age, however, the cognitive speed could be improved obviously through learning-training in the old aged. The above degrees in change were closely related to the requisite times for the tasks, Thus, it suggested that central cognitive processes slowed more with advancing age than peripheral sensorimotor processes, the learning-improving role could be major in the enhancing on the speed of central processes.

Key words: aging, cognitive speed slowing, learning-improving ability