Which type of intelligence tends to decline with age?

Fluid intelligence is the type of intelligence that tends to decline with age. It encompasses the ability to think abstractly, reason quickly, and solve new problems, often without relying on previously acquired knowledge or experience. This type of intelligence is associated with cognitive functions such as logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving in novel situations. Research indicates that as people age, they may experience a decrease in these cognitive abilities, leading to challenges in tasks that require quick thinking and adaptability.

In contrast, crystallized intelligence, which involves the knowledge and skills acquired over a lifetime, often remains stable or even improves with age as individuals accumulate more experience and information. Emotional intelligence also tends to remain relatively stable or may even improve with age, as older adults often develop better emotional regulation and social skills from life experiences. Cognitive intelligence is a broad term that can encompass both fluid and crystallized intelligence but does not specifically indicate a decline; rather, the distinction is better made between fluid and crystallized intelligence in discussions of age-related changes.