This experiment investigated the role of the encoding-retrieval relationship in adult age differences in memory. To determine the optimal encoding-retrieval conditions for adults of different ages, young, middle-aged, and older adults were given a semantic or acoustic orienting task, followed by semantic and acoustic recognition tests or semantic and acoustic cued recall tests. As predicted, the results demonstrated the importance of similar encoding and retrieval conditions at all ages, especially with semantic processing. Age differences were reduced on the recognition test and when semantic encoding was combined with a semantic cue test at retrieval. It was concluded that acoustic processing is not as effective as semantic processing for older or younger adults, and that effective use of semantic processing by older adults depends on constrained task conditions. These conditions include congruent semantic orienting questions that specify precise meanings for each target item, and retrieval cues that match the information in the orienting questions.