Ageing and Decision-making: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives This systematic review aimed to synthesise the evidence on potential differences in financial, social, health and safety-related decision-making between younger and older adults. Methods Trial, experimental, and prospective studies including older (60+) and younger adults that reported on quantitative decision-making outcome measures (i.e., performance in relation to achieving a specific prespecified goal) were included. Results Decision-making was significantly poorer (i.e., further from prespecified goals) in older compared to younger adults (k = 57, d random = -0.17, 95% CI -0.29, -0.04, I 2 = 92.92%), with high heterogeneity between studies. Age differences were observed for financial and social but not health decision-making domains. Discussion Older adults performed more ‘poorly’ on financial and social decision-making than younger adults. Reasons for observed differences may vary (e.g., different motivation and values) and require exploration in future research. This has implications for how people of different ages are supported, especially at times of important decision-making.