Influence of Age on the Simple Reaction Time to Light

Simple reaction time to light was determined in 627 healthy subjects between the ages of 7 to 80 (221 males, 406 females). Mean and standard deviation in each sex and age group was compared. 1) The mean reaction time and its standard deviation in the subjects of both sexes decreased with age up to the 15-19 age group and then increased with age. 2) The mean reaction time and its standard deviation were greater in female than in male. 3) The mean reaction time and its standard deviation were smaller in the aged subjects living in normal society than in that in the institution. 4) There was no significant difference in the mean reaction time and its standard deviation between normal subjects and patients with hypertension.