Seeing how some of the topics here have gone a few times...
I think being able to COMPREHEND ---during LISTENING and READING, goes a long way...
Toward problem solving -in all respects.
It may have been in a thread here a while back, pointing out how as we grow older, our ability to recall what we've just been told fails, in general, almost like eyesight.
The SAME concept applies to COMPREHENSION. Folks are so used to being 'entertained' from ear buds listing to nonsense, to absorption of the flat-screen, not to mention various other 'addictions', and lose this ability.
It's surprising to see how folks are simply unable to comprehend simple things.
You can tell someone something, wait a couple minutes and politely sort of ask about what you just said, and many folks have no idea, as they have talked incessantly, and only care abt their preconceived notions/ideas.
Folks as they grow older and lose associated skills, are likely to have a greater risk of failing to survive [life, OR SHTF] situations.
I have a friend who drinks every evening, and his health is starting to fail, as expected. He's UNABLE/UNWILLING? to comprehend or even entertain, simple things he could do to help himself 'survive'.