Age-Related Changes in Interpersonal Trust Behavior: Can Neuroscience Inform Public Policy?
摘要
Age and trust behavior have a direct connection to forensic science, particularly within forensic psychology and digital forensics, as they reflect fundamental neurological and behavioral changes that influence vulnerability to exploitation. Older adults, due to reduced activity in the brain’s salience network and a tendency toward positivity bias, often struggle to accurately assess interpersonal trust, making them prime targets for fraud, financial abuse, and online deception. This neurobiological understanding enables forensic scientists to better profile perpetrators who prey on cognitively vulnerable individuals, refine digital evidence analysis related to such crimes, and develop age-specific investigative strategies. Furthermore, integrating neuroscientific insights into forensic interviews and assessments can improve evidence interpretation in cases involving elderly victims, ultimately strengthening legal outcomes and enhancing protections for aging populations.