Abstract: 20-85yr old adult subjects (forming 4 groups) were tested for studying the age differences on problem solving of practical life. At the same bine, the twenty questions problem experiment was carried out. The results showed: (1) Rating consistency was up to standard for two groups of experimenters; (2) The number of scheme in putting forward (N) on practical problem solving was more in the three younger groups than the old group. However, no age differences were found in score of efficiency of practical problem solving; (3) The educational level had obviousinfluence on N and H scores, (4) The percentage in using strategy for guessing thepicture and how many bines could the aim pictures be reached had very significant age differences; (5) The N score of problem solving of prachcal life was correlated with using strategy for guessing pictures and how many bines could the aim picture be reached; (6) The results suggested, age differences on problem solving in practical life was smaller than in the laboratory.

Key words: age differences, problem solving of practical life, strategy, twenty questions problem