Clear decisions: improved perceptual clarity reduces age-related decision-making deficits

OBJECTIVES: Making effective everyday decisions is vital for maintaining well-being and independence in older age, yet older adults often face challenges in decision making due to age-related changes in perceptual and cognitive processes. Age-related declines in perception and cognition are not independent, in part because decoding impoverished perceptual input places additional demands on older adults' limited cognitive resources. In this study, we test whether age-related deficits in decision-making performance can be reduced by improving the perceptual clarity of decision-making materials. METHODS: In a pre-registered experimental study, 48 young (18-30 years) and 48 older adults (70+ years) completed decision-making, reading, and information-search tasks when written information was of standard clarity (moderate size and contrast) or enhanced clarity (increased size and contrast). RESULTS: Older adults had worse decision-making performance than young adults, but, in line with the perceptual degradation hypothesis, the age deficit was reduced when decision-making information was clearer. Improved perceptual clarity also improved reading speed, but changes to reading speed did not fully account for the effect of clarity on decision-making performance. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that improving perceptual clarity can reduce age-related deficits in decision-making through the provision of clear and accessible information with larger text and better contrast. Older adults can also take steps to improve their own perception, such as wearing appropriate glasses, using magnifiers, and reducing background noise.