Aging and variety seeking

Psychol Aging. 2007 Dec;22(4):728-37. doi: 10.1037/0882-7974.22.4.728.

Abstract

The authors examined the influence of age on variety seeking in 3 experiments. When given choices among jellybeans or music, age differences in variety seeking emerged. Younger adults selected similar levels of variety when choosing what to consume immediately and what to consume later. In contrast, older adults consistently chose less variety when making choices to be consumed at a later time than when making choices to be consumed immediately. This pattern may be related to an increased focus on regulating future emotional experience that is associated with age.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affect*
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Educational Status
  • Exploratory Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Music
  • Social Behavior*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires