Elias, C. S., & Hirasuna, N. (1976). Age and semantic and phonological encoding. Developmental Psychology, 12(6), 497-503.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.12.6.497
Used a short-term memory release for proactive interference paradigm to examine semantic and phonological encoding in 48 18-24 yr old and 48 60-77 yr old paid females. While older Ss recalled significantly less than younger Ss, all Ss evidenced significant proactive interference release for both taxonomic category (semantic) and rhyme category (phonological) switches. Importantly, release was quite similar for both groups. Contrary to previous suggestions, results demonstrate that older Ss encoded both semantic and phonological features of verbal stimuli. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)