Changes in cognitive and emotional functioning in light of the embodiment framework

The embodied approach postulates that cognition is based on perceptual-sensory-motor experiences. This approach is increasingly present in the field of the cognitive psychology and is also beginning to spread to that of normal cognitive aging. But to date, this framework has never been applied to studies on changes in emotional information processing in aging. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the relationship between bodily and emotional changes in older people with the aim of interpreting these in light of the embodied approach. In this literature review, we addressed cognitive aging from an embodiment perspective and gathered empirical data that suggests the presence of a disconnect between bodily sensations and feelings experienced. This disconnect, which at first glance could be viewed as evidence that older adults are less embodied, is discussed in light of the embodiment framework, with the aim of establishing some new avenues of investigation for better understanding the nature of cognitive and emotional changes in aging.