Which of the following best describes a typical intellectual development in later adulthood?

In later adulthood, individuals often draw upon extensive life experiences and accumulated knowledge, leading to a greater reliance on wisdom for problem-solving. This phase of life is characterized by a depth of understanding and insight that comes from years of navigating complex situations, rather than the quick problem-solving abilities that might be more pronounced in earlier adulthood. Wisdom encompasses not just factual knowledge, but also emotional intelligence, which facilitates better decision-making in nuanced contexts.

While cognitive functions such as processing speed and memory retention may decline, the capacity to reflect on experiences and apply learned lessons allows older adults to approach problems more judiciously, emphasizing qualitative judgments over rapid responses. As a result, wisdom becomes a critical asset, as it combines knowledge with life experiences to provide sound solutions to life's challenges in later years.