Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) Practice Test

The human brain's ability to learn throughout life is supported by neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's capacity to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning, experience, or injury. Neurobiology has shown that, regardless of age, individuals maintain the ability to acquire new skills and knowledge. This adaptability implies that older adults can continue to learn, whether it be acquiring new hobbies, languages, or information, reinforcing the idea that learning is a lifelong process.

While other options discuss phenomena related to aging, such as developing plaque in certain areas, losing neurons, or solidifying established patterns of thinking, these do not negate the ongoing capacity to learn. Instead, they highlight the complex interplay between decline in some cognitive functions and the persistence of the brain's ability to adapt and acquire new competencies. Hence, the assertion that the brain keeps the ability to learn new skills encapsulates the positive aspect of cognitive aging, emphasizing resilience and potential for growth.