There's no single age that designates the "smartest." Intelligence is multifaceted and peaks at different ages depending on the specific cognitive ability.
Different Types of Intelligence Peak at Different Ages
Several studies show that various aspects of intelligence reach their peak at different life stages:
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Fluid Intelligence: This involves processing speed and quickly recalling information. It peaks around age 20, then gradually declines (MIT News, 2015; Business Insider, 2017). Information-processing speed peaks even earlier, around age 18-19, before beginning its decline (Source: 18-19).
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Short-Term Memory: Improves until approximately age 25, remaining relatively stable until around age 35 before declining (Source: 25).
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Memory for Faces: Reaches its peak around age 30, then starts a gradual decline (Source: 30).
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Crystallized Intelligence: This refers to accumulated knowledge and reasoning based on experience. It continues to improve throughout life, reaching its peak later in life (Quora, 2022; Verywell Mind, 2023). Vocabulary, a key component, is at its best from certain ages onward (Verywell Mind, 2023). Understanding information peaks around age 50 (The Healthy, 2017).
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Other Cognitive Abilities: Skills like emotional intelligence or basic arithmetic may not fully develop until middle age or later (Business Insider, 2017).
The concept of "smartest age" is therefore inaccurate. Instead, different cognitive abilities reach their peak performance at different points throughout a lifespan. A person's overall intelligence is a complex interplay of these abilities, evolving and changing over time.
