Stronger mnemonic prediction errors can disproportionately impair memory updating in older adults.

). Differences in prediction strength, created by varying repetitions, were validated using retrospective judgments (Experiment 1) and prospective predictions of original train endings along with confidence ratings (Experiment 2). Prediction error effects on memory updating were assessed by presenting the first two words of trains as cues for recalling changed ending words. Stronger predictions impaired memory for changed endings disproportionately for older adults, and older adults were less able to recollect that endings had changed when asked directly. Regardless of prediction strength and age, change recollection was consistently associated with better memory for changed ending words. Collectively, these findings suggest that stronger mnemonic predictions exacerbate the negative impact of prediction errors on the resolution of proactive interference, an ability that is often impaired in healthy aging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).