A fNIRS investigation of switching and inhibition during the modified Stroop task in younger and older adults

► Frontal activation for inhibition and task-switching was compared in a single task. ► Younger and older adults were compared. ► Distinct patterns of frontal activation during inhibition and switching were found. ► There is functional dissociation between the two executive functions. ► Age-related differences emerged with spread out activation in older adults.