“I just can’t proof my own work.  My mind fills in what’s suppose to be there instead of seeing what is actually on the page.”

Have you ever heard anyone say that?  My guess is you probably have.  Heck, I’ve said that.

It turns out, there’s a physiological reason for this problem.  According to a new research report from the University of Arizona, the mind “inhibits” itself from auto-filling what one sees.  However, the ability to do this declines with age (1).

There are probably other factors that affect this ability to inhibit thoughts.  We just don’t know what they are.

Understanding this inhibitor and what affects its operation may explain a lot more than proofing mistakes:

• The elderly have a very high incidence of slip and falls.  Is that because they don’t recognize obstructions when they see them?
• The elderly are more prone to fall for scams.  Is that because they are slower to recognize signs of dishonesty?

What we have is a slowing of mental acuity independent of diseases like Alzheimer’s.  This slowing may have dramatic implications for healthcare costs for the elderly and for quality of life.  How we can slow or stop this decline requires further research because of its potential to affect so many households around the globe.

Sources:

(1) “Research shows how visual perception slows with age,” Science Daily, June 21, 2016.  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160621155010.htm