Age-Related Differences in Working Memory and Creativity: Younger and Older Adults in Comparison

Abstract

Working memory and creativity are relevant for health and wellbeing in older adults. While age-related decline in working memory has constantly been observed, results for creativity are ambiguous. This study aims to investigate age-related differences in working memory and creativity and potential age-related differences in their relationship. 49 younger adults and 165 older adults performed a digit sorting task (measuring working memory) and the Torrance test of creative thinking (measuring creativity). Younger adults showed higher working memory capacity and were also more creative than older adults. However, no relationship between both measures was observed neither in younger nor in older adults. Results are discussed in line with the common-cause theory as well as other potential reasons for age-related cognitive decline.