Effects of Semantic Interference and Facilitation on Lexical Retrieval: Evolution in Healthy Aging

Semantic relationships distinctly influence lexical retrieval, regardless of age. Age-related differences mainly manifested in speed and accuracy while the structure of semantic interference is overall consistent across ages, underscoring, respectively, cognitive slowing and reduced inhibitory control in aging. Preserved semantic knowledge in elderly adults appears to mitigate some of these difficulties, highlighting its compensatory role in language production. The findings highlight the specific role of semantic relations in lexical access and confirm that aging affects processing speed more than semantic network structure.