According to Hoyer and Roodin (2009), what helps compensate for declines in processing speed with age?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of experience and the development of learning strategies as individuals age. As processing speed tends to decline with age, older adults often compensate for this decline by relying on the wealth of knowledge and strategies they have acquired over time. This accumulated experience can lead to more effective problem-solving abilities, as older adults draw upon previous encounters and approaches to tackle similar situations.

For example, older adults might utilize heuristics or shortcuts derived from past learning to expedite their decision-making processes, even if their processing speed is slower than that of younger individuals. This adaptability is a significant aspect of cognitive development and reflects the principle that experience plays a vital role in maintaining cognitive functioning despite age-related challenges.

Other options like better technology usage or increased practice in tasks could contribute to improved performance. However, they may not directly address how the cognitive strategies learned through life experiences serve as a more foundational compensatory mechanism for declines in processing speed. Natural cognitive decline, on the other hand, is not a compensatory factor but rather describes the phenomenon that occurs with aging. Thus, the idea that learning strategies from experience helps to mitigate the impact of processing speed decline aligns closely with theories of older adults' cognitive resilience.