Theories

Question 1

Importance of studying aging

Answer 1

1. Presenting a more complete view of development (instead of eg 2 stage model)
2. Societal reasons (strong increase in number of older people, meaning increase in age related diseases associated with ageing, demand treatment and care and prevention research)

Question 2

Two stage model vs life span perspective

Answer 2

Two stage model
- Popular stereotypical assumption, idea that you develop until about 25 (stage 1) and then decline (stage 2).

Life span perspective
- Idea that all change between birht and death is regarded as development.

Question 3

Eirkson’s stage model

Answer 3

Psychodynamic approach of development. Each stage is dominated by a dramatic shift in emphasis. A different crisis that has to be resolved in certain points in life

EG: Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40–65 years)
- Key question: Can I make my life count?
- If resolved: Feels productive, contributes to society and future generations.
- If not: May feel stagnant or unproductive.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood, 65+ years)
- Key question: Was my life meaningful?
- If resolved: Reflects back with a sense of fulfillment.
- If not: May feel regret, bitterness, despair.

Question 4

Schaie & Wilis stage theory of cognition

Answer 4

Stages reflect different use (applying/adapting) of cognition rather than acquisition of cognition

1. Acquisitive Stage (Childhood–Adolescence)
   Main focus: Acquiring knowledge and skills.
2. Achieving Stage (Young Adulthood)
   Main focus: Using knowledge to pursue goals (e.g., career, relationships).
3. Responsible Stage (Middle Adulthood)
   Main focus: Managing responsibilities at work, in family, and community.
4. Executive Stage (Optional, Middle to Late Adulthood)
   Main focus: Overseeing systems and organizations.
5. Reintegrative Stage (Older Adulthood)
   Main focus: Focusing thinking on personally meaningful tasks.
6. Legacy-Creating Stage (Very Old Age)
   Main focus: Planning for the end of life, sharing wisdom, creating legacies.

Question 5

SOC theory (Baltes & Baltes)

Answer 5

Selecting, Optimization and compensation theory; explain how people adapt to aging and life’s challenges across the lifespan, especially in older adulthood. It’s less about stages and more about strategies people use to maintain functioning, achieve goals, and stay engaged with life despite limitations like physical decline, cognitive changes, or life transitions.

1. Selection
   Choosing and prioritizing goals or activities that are most meaningful or realistic based on your resources.
   - Elective Selection: Choosing based on personal goals (e.g., focusing on painting instead of learning multiple hobbies).
   - Loss-Based Selection: Adjusting goals due to a decline (e.g., retiring from a demanding job to focus on health).
2. Optimization
   Putting in effort and resources to maintain or improve performance in those selected areas.
   - Practicing, investing time and energy, seeking help or resources to keep skills sharp.
3. Compensation
   Finding alternative ways to achieve goals when abilities decline or obstacles appear.
   - Using tools, strategies, or help to get around limitations.

Question 6

information processing approach

Answer 6

suggests that different components of cognition are affected in different ways by aging, rather than a global decline. Some processes slow down or weaken with age, while others remain stable or even improve.

EG Slowing of Information-Processing Speed (Salthouse)
- As we age, this slows down, impacting performance on tasks that require: Quick decision-making, Multitasking & New learning

Question 7

Biological approaches

Answer 7

These look at how physical changes in the brain (due to aging) affect cognition differently depending on the brain region.

EG Frontal Ageing Hypothesis
Suggests the frontal lobes are particularly vulnerable to aging. Frontal lobes are responsible for:
Planning, Problem-solving, Inhibition, Working memory & Attention
Hippocampus: affects memory formation—shrinks with age, leading to issues with forming new memories.

Question 8

integrative appraoch

Answer 8

Effects of ageing influenced by dynamic mix of biological, psychological and social factors.

EG STAC – Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition
- explains how the brain adapts to age-related decline by recruiting alternative neural pathways to “scaffold” weakened areas.
- Scaffolding is strengthened by: New learning , Exercise, Social engagement & cognitive training

STAC-r also adds risk factors (eg low SES, vascular disease, head trauma) and protective factors (eg exercise, intellectual engagement