How memory affects decision-making about future rewards in older adults
Official title: Individual and age differences in temporal discounting: the role of memory for time
Funded at Adelphi University · NIH-10579515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how older adults decide between enjoying something now, like a tasty treat, or waiting for a healthier choice that benefits them in the long run, and it aims to understand how their memories influence these choices to help them make better decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Adelphi University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Garden City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $377,484 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AG080449-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10579515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those over 60, who are interested in understanding their decision-making processes.
✕Less likely to help
Younger individuals or those who do not face significant decision-making challenges related to delayed rewards may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how older adults make decisions involving trade-offs between immediate and delayed rewards, such as choosing between unhealthy foods now or healthier options for a longer life. It explores the role of memory in these decisions, specifically how individuals perceive the duration of past experiences. By using behavioral tests, eye-tracking, and brain imaging techniques, the study aims to understand why some people are more willing to wait for future rewards than others. The findings could provide insights into improving decision-making strategies for older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help older adults make better decisions that enhance their health and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that memory and decision-making are interconnected, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Adelphi University
Garden City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lempert, Karolina M — Adelphi University
- Study coordinator: Lempert, Karolina M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how social decision-making affects mental health
This study is looking at how our social thinking affects mental health, especially how difficulties in making social decisions can influence people's lives, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about the connections between social behavior and different mental health issues.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.