Abstract
Educating the older adult about healthcare information can be a challenge because of the cognitive decline that accompanies the aging process. This article focuses on the cognitive "resources" that have been linked to declines in cognition: sensory input, processing speed, working memory, and inhibition. Although much attention is focused on the cognitive losses that occur with aging, there are also "gains" such as wisdom that assist the older adult in learning healthcare information. The nurse's understanding of "resources" and "gains" will assist her in choosing effective teaching strategies to use with older individuals.