Young and restless, old and focused: Age-differences in mind-wandering frequency and phenomenology.

The consistently observed age-accompanied diminution in mind-wandering stands seemingly opposed to accounts that present as a failure of executive control. This study examined the impact aging on frequency and phenomenology investigated distinct variables mediating age-related differences unintentional intentional mind-wandering. Thirty-four younger 34 healthy older adults completed neuropsychological test battery contrast change detection task embedded with experience sampling probes asking participants discriminate nature their thoughts. Results revealed decreases mind-wandering, but equivalent accuracy. Parallel mediations demonstrated reduced through having less anxiety greater engagement than adults. Despite evidence decline cognitive function tests, neither nor demand further contributed model. Our results adjudicate between competing theories, highlighting roles affective motivational factors Intentional showed no significant associations measures; however, was associated more false alarms, which mediated by reaction time variability (RTV). In context exploitation/exploration framework, we suggest were inclined intentionally mind-wander, indexed increased RTV, while preserving comparable performance accuracy Conversely, exploited focus, marked bias toward, or resources for, exploration space. Therefore, dispositional strategic should be considered future investigations across lifespan. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).