Neurocognitive functions in successful aging. Part 3: a system of mirror neurons

The third part of the article presents an extensive review of modern literature on neurophysiological and neuropsychological studies of the mirror neurons system (MNS). It’s clarified that since the opening of the Rizzolatti the first mirror cells in the premotor cortex, researchers discovered functional subspecies of mirror neurons in other cortical and subcortical brain regions: somatosensory, auditory cortex, and limbic system. The aim of our study was to establish the influence of development of the MNS in the elderly on perceived successful aging. 26 people took part in the study (average age 70.56 ± 9.9), including 9 males and 17 females. The control group included 18 young people (21-22 years old). To assess subjective well-being, the "Successful aging inventory" was used. MNS was studied with the help of 24 video, audio clips, and images that supposedly stimulate the activity of mirror-cell networks: motor, kinesthetic, emotional, and acoustic nonverbal networks. The study showed that the identifying accuracy of emotional and acoustic stimuli has the most positive effect on successful aging. The subjective assessment of emotional stimuli has a negative effect. Excessive affectation serves as a negative predictor of successful aging, while emphasis on kinesthetic and acoustic stimuli has a positive effect on it.