The task-switching paradigm is a valid tool to measure age-related changes in executive functions. It allows identifying the most vulnerable cognitive control processes affected by aging. This review provides an overview about the current evidence on behavioral and electrophysiological signatures of adult age differences in task switching with a focus on age-related changes in ERP correlates of three task-processing phases: (1) advanced task preparation as reflected by the cue-P3 and the CNV; (2) task implementation including P1 / N1, P2, N2, N450 / Ni as well as target-P3; and (3) response monitoring mechanisms as indicated by the Nc / CRN / MFN during correct responding and Ne / ERN in error trials. While most of these ERP correlates of executive control are reduced in older age, qualitative ERP differences between age groups are less consistent. We also report some recent findings from cognitive training research showing the potential for enhancement in task switching in older age. The results are discussed in the light of current models of cognitive control.

任务转换范例是衡量执行功能中与年龄相关的变化的有效工具。它可以确定最容易受到衰老影响的认知控制过程。这篇综述提供了有关任务转换中成人年龄差异的行为和电生理特征的最新证据的概述，重点是三个任务处理阶段中与年龄相关的ERP相关变化：（1）提示所反映的高级任务准备-P3和CNV；（2）任务执行，包括P1 / N1，P2，N2，N450 / Ni以及目标-P3；（3）响应监控机制，如正确响应期间的Nc / CRN / MFN和错误试验中的Ne / ERN所示。尽管这些与执行控制相关的大多数ERP相关因素在老年时就降低了，但各年龄组之间的定性ERP差异却不太一致。我们还报告了认知训练研究的一些最新发现，这些发现显示了在年龄更大的任务转换中增强潜力。根据当前的认知控制模型讨论了结果。