There is a great deal of research interest in the relationship between everyday activities and cognitive functioning in older adults (cf, Hultsch et al, 1993, 1998, 1999; Pushkar et al, 1997, 1999). The prediction is clear: we assume that people who are more active (physically, mentally, etc.) also tend toward greater success in maintaining cognitive function as they age. On the other hand, "disuse" of cognitive skills in everyday life is presumably related to cognitive decline in aging. This engagement hypothesis is still waiting for solid support (cf, Hertzog, et al, 1999).

These data only serve to confirm Hertzog et al.’s (1999) directions for future research. The complexity of a construct of "everyday activities that exercise cognitive skills" makes this an elusive thing to measure. People live in, and move through their lives in varied and complex environments. Measurement and specification of constructs need to be honed. These data support Hertzog et al.’s warning that there are likely to be different patterns of influence of lifestyles on cognition at different ages. Along with measurement refinement, future research should aim for samples that span adulthood to further explore the relationship between everyday activities and cognition.