Objective. To determine whether there are differences in the execution of tasks involving self-generation and the supply of information in the semantic memory of older adults in the normal ageing process. Method. The instruments used for the selection of the sample were the Folstein-Mini Mental Test (MMSE) and the Abbreviated Yesavage (GDS-VE) Geriatric Depression Scale. 15 adult males with an average age of 70, and with an average of 5 years education, were studied, using the Brief Neuropsychological Evaluation in spanish (Neuropsi) and the ‘Self-generation Effect’ Test. The scores of this test were statistically analyzed with the non-parametric Wilcoxon test with a confidence level of 0.95 and a significance level of 0.005. Results. The self-generation of words does not have an impact in time for the recall and recognition of information, since this only increases at 30 minutes, and diminishes one week later, nevertheless there is a continuing tendency of greater recall and recognition of words which have been self-generated by the subject. Conclusion. People 1