Slide 1
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
Adulthood and Aging
Chapte
Developmental Psychology Applied to Aging
1
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
Challenging Issues With a Growing Aging Population
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
Highlighting commonalities and diversities between younger and older populations
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
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.
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
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
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
A Multidisciplinary and
Multifaceted Endeavo
Consider combined approaches of various disciplines:
Psychology - individual characteristics that influence behavio
Sociology - societal factors that influence behavio
Anthropology - cultural heritage and background that influence behavio
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
Functional Age
Chronological age: age in weeks or months – more useful when considering child development
Functional age: a useful concept of age in adulthood; comprises of physical and cognitive abilities
Social age: comparing social roles and expectations with those of the same chronological age
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
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
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
Theoretical Approaches to Studying Aging
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
Theoretical Approaches to Adult Development and Aging
Biological Theories
Influenced by neuropsychology (biopsychology or behavioral neuroscience)
Emphasize biological foundations of thoughts and behaviors
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
Connectionist Approaches
Emphasizes the role of cognitive psychology
Utilize:
latest technologies to observe neuronal activity and
ain changes with age
Sophisticated software for mathematical modeling of cognitive processes
Artificial intelligence software for simulating human learning and development
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
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
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
Connectionist Approaches
Approach helpful in understanding peak performance and decline in various aspects of
ain functioning
Imitating human cognition with software allows researchers to make predictions and test models
Helpful in designing therapies
Helpful in computer-simulating
ain functions without causing harm to humans
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
Sociocultural Theories
Bronfen
enner developed ecological model:
Microsystem: interpersonal relations and immediate settings of an individual
Mesosystem: groups of microsystems; one relationship affects anothe
Exosystem: distant influences
Macrosystem: unwritten cultural, societal roles, norms
Chronosystem: changes in the personal, interpersonal, social, cultural influences over time
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Adulthood and Aging
Marion G. Mason
Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Theory (SOC)
A model of adaptation that 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
Compensation: for losses that come with age