Nonliteral language processing across the lifespan

Abstract Studies investigating the effects of aging on nonliteral language processing have mainly focused one sensory modality, for example written vignettes. In current study, we used a video-based task to examine effect healthy social communication perception using novel database called RISC (Relation Inference in Social Communication). By means an online recruitment platform, asked young, middle-aged, and older adults between ages 18 76 (N = 100) evaluate videos actors different forms literal language, such as sarcasm or teasing. The participants' was infer speakers' belief intention. Older participants demonstrated lower accuracy discriminating from interactions compared younger middle-aged groups. When evaluating speaker intentions, judged friendlier negative utterances. We also found that participant, more difficulty they identifying teasing insincere. Our results expand age-related similarities differences intentions demonstrate practicality studying across lifespan.