You read about four theories that attempt to understand and explain aging (Biological, Connectionist, Sociocultural, Selection Optimization and Compensation). I would like you to critically think about these theories. Which theories do you feel work best and why (be specific)? Which theories do you feel fall short and why (be specific)? Really challenge the theories. Using one of the theories you feel works best, how might you set up a study on aging?
See attached powerpoint to use as reference
Slide 1 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Adulthood and Aging Marion G. Mason Adulthood and Aging Chapter Developmental Psychology Applied to Aging 1 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Adulthood and Aging Marion G. Mason 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 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Adulthood and Aging Marion G. Mason Theoretical Approaches to Studying Aging Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Adulthood and Aging Marion G. Mason 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 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Adulthood and Aging Marion G. Mason 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 Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Adulthood and Aging Marion G. Mason Sociocultural Theories Bronfenbrenner developed ecological model: Microsystem: interpersonal relations and immediate settings of an individual Mesosystem: groups of microsystems; one relationship affects another Exosystem: distant influences Macrosystem: unwritten cultural, societal roles, norms Chronosystem: changes in the personal, interpersonal, social, cultural influences over time Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 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