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Curiosity about specific information increases with age despite overall decline in trait

Huberman Lab · How to Improve Your Memory & Cognitive Function at Any Age | Dr. Alan Castel · July 13, 2026
Curiosity about specific information increases with age despite overall decline in trait
Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab
How to Improve Your Memory & Cognitive Function at Any Age | Dr. Alan Castel
"We've been measuring different types of curiosity. One is known as state curiosity and one is known as trait curiosity. We found that levels of state curiosity when I give you some interesting bit of information but I don't give you the answer if it's something you care about that actually increases with age your level of curiosity and learning."
New research distinguishes between general curiosity (trait), which declines with age, and situational curiosity (state), which intensifies when older adults encounter information gaps about topics they care about. This selective heightening of curiosity may explain how older adults maintain learning capacity in domains of personal relevance.
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Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab

How to Improve Your Memory & Cognitive Function at Any Age | Dr. Alan Castel

August 3, 2026 · 2h 28m · 8 Egleze moments
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