Which of the following best describes cognitive development in later adulthood?

Cognitive development in later adulthood is often characterized by a shorter concentration span. As people age, it is common for them to experience declines in attention and the ability to focus on tasks for extended periods. This can be due to various factors, including changes in brain structure and function, memory processing, and the accumulation of life experiences that may distract from concentrated thought.

While some older adults may retain a wealth of knowledge or have improved wisdom, which can influence problem-solving abilities, it is typical for cognitive functions such as processing speed, memory, and attention span to decline with age. It's important to note that experiences and familiarity with certain cognitive tasks might lead to effective strategies that help mitigate some of these challenges, but the general trend is towards a decreased ability to concentrate for long periods.

Other options like increased memory retention, quicker problem solving, or improved language skills may not accurately reflect the typical cognitive changes during later adulthood. Instead, individuals might find it more challenging to remember new information, solve problems quickly, or keep up with new vocabulary or language usage as efficiently as they did in earlier life stages.