Abstract

This study examines age-related differences in reading comprehension in a sample of young (18-35 years-old), young-old (60-71 years old) and old-old adults (> 72 years old). The Nelson-Denny Test and a task that dissociates "text comprehension" from "memory for text" were administered. Results showed that age-related differences between young adults and the two groups of elderly were present only in the "memory for text". In the "text comprehension" and in the Nelson-Denny Test, young adults and young-old adults presented the same reading comprehension level. The distinction between these text presentation modalities clarifies the influence of age on reading comprehension.