i always wander is there a limit to what that we could learn in a life time? how could we manage new information as we obtain new and naively-irrelevant info or knowledge? i mean regarding the old info and what we know until now; is there a scientific answer to that?
There is not limit to what we can learn. However, as we age we might become less efficient at assimilating or accommodating new information. Furthermore, one of the best predictors of how well you are going to do in an area of knowledge is how much information you already know about this topic. This is likely due to cognitive schemas that you already have regarding the topic. It is easier to learn something when you can relate it to pre-existing information. Hence, an older person who has not kept up with the changes in technology will have a hard time catching up to the new technology likely due to a lack of related knowledge.
I can share my personal experience, as I solved 3 notoriosly difficult problems after age 70, being basically retired. 2 Problem formulations did not belong to me, one was formulated in 1907, another in 1928, both lacked theoretical solutions, and I failed to solve them in my prime age, along with other scientists, who failed as well. But the third problem was the application of Physical Chemistry to the medical procedure, unknown to me before. I was capable to study this new field in details, helping M.D. on the side of Physical Chemitry, unknown to him. I attach the file with the paper published.
To answer such a question demands so many information on who is the elderly, how clearly is he thinking on any subject, how INTERESTED he is in the new information and if it is pertinent to his current life, I believe that many older persons lose interrest in certain things as time goes by and their lack of interrest may cause less absorbtion, were the subject of his keen interrest the absobtion would be proportionally greater.
Yes, Jorg, you are quite correct about the many data that need to be accounted for in order to answer this question. Their interest in the subject is unquestionably a large part of the consideration. Another of these data is the general health of the "elderly" person. How well is his or her brain working? How functional are his organs? Disease conditions can significantly diminish one's ability to understand what he or she is observing---or trying to learn. And, then, how much stress are they under? A relaxed and happy person can delve into a subject with much greater possibility of success than one who is, e.g., living in fear---or doubt of where his next meal is coming from.
Yes,Knowledge is accumulated,CReativity is emerged from accumulated knowledge
As we age, we can do one of four things with out life:
1 - we can get worse
2 - we can stay the same
3 - we can get better (improve)
4 - we can transcend the whole thing in Happiness.
Spiritual life is not about the first three.
Leonard is almost right as if the fourth is included the third is incited and the first two are left behind . Surely if lightness come from spirituality those facts mentioned in your previous answer become less relevant, with spirituality fear is also gone exept for the worry with the next day which should not exist as most elderly should be retired and at least for eating he or she should not be concerned.
thanks everyone for the answers especially mr Babchin; but let me be more specific; what i really meant by the question is something similar (but more general) to what is told in
http://www.computer.org/csdl/mags/co/2004/12/rz010.html
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Mind