Developmental Psychology Applied to Aging 1 Developmental Psychology Applied to Aging

Introduction Field of adult development and aging – a relatively new and rapidly-growing area in psychology Aging process better understood due to: Recent advances in technology Increases in computing power Increasing number of older adults

An Aging Population Rapidly growing population of older adults has societal and personal effects

Figure 1. 1 Predictions Based on U. S Figure 1.1 Predictions Based on U.S. Census Bureau Data Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. (2006, May). Older Americans Update 2006: Key Indicators of Well-Being. Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

Challenging Issues Changes in age distribution will effect many industries – health care, insurance, housing, transportation Lack of research – some topics are emphasized, while others are overlooked/neglected less emphasis on young and middle-aged adults later adults have received more emphasis balanced approach needed

Challenging Issues Highlighting commonalities and diversities between younger and older populations

A Psychological Approach to Adult Development and Aging Different approaches to study adult development and aging: Psychology - scientific study of mental and behavioral processes Developmental psychology - study of ways individuals change as they age Adult development and aging - study of normal or typical ways mental and behavioral processes change with age beyond adolescence

A Multidisciplinary and Multifaceted Endeavor Consider combined approaches of various disciplines: Psychology - individual characteristics that influence behavior Sociology - societal factors that influence behavior Anthropology - cultural heritage and background that influence behavior

The Developmental Psychological Perspective Current research emphasizes 4 areas of study of adult development and aging: Stasis – studying stable aspects Change – that occurs with age Decline – functional decline Growth-based – positive areas

Positive and Realistic Approach Positive Psychology – approach emphasizes individual’s strengths, resilient qualities fosters productive coping, personal growth, life-satisfaction, well-being Optimal aging – adjusting and coping well with life changes emphasizes physical and psychological adjustment

Multiple Dimensions of Age Developmental psychologists segment age as follows: young adulthood: 18 or 20 years to 40-45 years middle adulthood: 40-45 years to 60-65 years late adulthood: 60-65 to end of life Late adulthood further segmented young-old: 60-65 to 74 old-old: 75 to 84 oldest-old: 85+

Multiple Dimensions of Age European scholars divide older ages differently: Adulthood-pre-retirement: second age Pre-retirement-oldest old: third age End of life: fourth age

Functional Age Chronological age: age in weeks or months – more useful when considering child development Normative age-graded influences: typical events/influences strongly related to age Functional age: a useful concept of age in adulthood; comprises of physical and cognitive abilities

Functional Age Biological age: An individual’s health when compared to others of the same chronological age (physical well-being) Biomarkers: bodily functions Psychological age: individual’s ability to cope and adjust to changes in environment when compared to others of same chronological age

Functional Age Social age: comparing social roles and expectations with those of the same chronological age

Theoretical Approaches to Adult Development and Aging Biological Theories Influenced by neuropsychology (biopsychology or behavioral neuroscience) Emphasize biological foundations of thoughts and behaviors

Table 1.2 Examples of Biological Theories of Aging

Connectionist Approaches Emphasizes the role of cognitive psychology Utilize: latest technologies to observe neuronal activity and brain changes with age Sophisticated software for mathematical modeling of cognitive processes Artificial intelligence software for simulating human learning and development

Connectionist Approaches Proposed development involves making associations between basic items or pieces of information, “units” to form a network of associations Connecting units results in a gradual process requiring repetition Distinct networks form over time

Connectionist Approaches Approach helpful in understanding peak performance and decline in various aspects of brain functioning Imitating human cognition with software allows researchers to make predictions and test models Helpful in designing therapies Helpful in computer-simulating brain functions without causing harm to humans

Sociocultural Theories Emphasize social, cultural, societal forces in shaping human development Bronfenbrenner developed bioecological model: Development outcome of interactions between genetics and environment Model layered: Inner layers – direct impact on the individual Outer layers – indirect impact on the individual

Sociocultural Theories Bronfenbrenner developed bioecological model: Model layered: Microsystem: interpersonal relations and immediate settings of an individual Mesosystem: groups of microsystems; one relationship affects another Exosystem: distant influences

Sociocultural Theories Bronfenbrenner developed bioecological model: Model layered: Macrosystem: unwritten cultural, societal roles, norms Chronosystem: changes in the personal, interpersonal, social, cultural influences over time

Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Theory (SOC) Developed by Baltes et al., 1999 Theory – a model of adaptation

Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Theory (SOC) Describes ways in which individuals manage gains and losses in each phase of life Selection: loss-based selection – accepting facts about old age elective selection – determining one’s needs, goals Optimization: proactively optimizing resources available

Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Theory (SOC) Describes ways in which individuals manage gains and losses in each phase of life Compensation: for losses that come with age Optimization and compensation work together to support selected needs and goals