ume were used as control variables, the positive
relationships between age and vocabulary and
age and declarative knowledge were eliminated
(in contrast, the negative relationships between
age and fluid abilities were largely unchanged).
Thus, the results of this study are consistent
with the conjecture that—in the domain of verbal
abilities—reading a lot can even help to
compensate for the normally deleterious effects
of aging! (See also, Smith, 1996.)