1. Developmental Psychology Applied to Aging1
Developmental Psychology Applied to Aging

2. 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

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

4. Figure 1. 1 Predictions Based on U. S
Figure 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.

5. 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

6. Challenging Issues
Highlighting commonalities and diversities between younger and older populations

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

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

17. Table 1.2 Examples of Biological Theories of Aging

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

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

25. 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

26. 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