Jessica Terpening PSYC 604 November 14, 2017
Broderick, P. and Blewitt, P (2010). The Life Span: Human Development for Helping Professionals, Chapter 15
Broderick and Blewitt describe successful development as the maximization of gains and minimization of losses. As individuals move into late adulthood, often the losses begin to outweigh the gains in regard to development. When approaching old age, individuals begin to experience declines in their physical systems in particular. The immune and sensory systems begin to decline which can lead to illness. Arthritis is also a common effect of old age. Cognition also begins to decline. Fluid intelligence, such as processing speed and working memory, may also decrease; however, crystallized …show more content…
There are three different processes that are crucial for successful development during old age. When combined, these three processes are referred to as selective optimization with compensation. The first process is selection, which involves limiting activities to a few that are particularly rewarding. The second process is optimization, which involves finding ways of enhancing achievement of remaining goals. Finally, the third process is compensation. Compensation involves finding new means to achieve our ends. Another theory that applies to old age is self-determination theory. Self-determination theory states that in order to motivate adaption, regardless of age, autonomy, competence, and relatedness must be met. There are also two different descriptions of techniques old adults use to cope with challenges they face—primary-control strategies and secondary-control strategies. Primary-control strategies “attempt to affect the immediate environment and often increase feelings of mastery and self-esteem” (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). Secondary-control strategies “attempt to change ourselves, such as changing goals” (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). If a person is able to transition from facing a challenge using secondary-control to primary-control, it is much more likely the individual will achieve
Broderick, P. and Blewitt, P (2010). The Life Span: Human Development for Helping Professionals, Chapter 15
Broderick and Blewitt describe successful development as the maximization of gains and minimization of losses. As individuals move into late adulthood, often the losses begin to outweigh the gains in regard to development. When approaching old age, individuals begin to experience declines in their physical systems in particular. The immune and sensory systems begin to decline which can lead to illness. Arthritis is also a common effect of old age. Cognition also begins to decline. Fluid intelligence, such as processing speed and working memory, may also decrease; however, crystallized …show more content…
There are three different processes that are crucial for successful development during old age. When combined, these three processes are referred to as selective optimization with compensation. The first process is selection, which involves limiting activities to a few that are particularly rewarding. The second process is optimization, which involves finding ways of enhancing achievement of remaining goals. Finally, the third process is compensation. Compensation involves finding new means to achieve our ends. Another theory that applies to old age is self-determination theory. Self-determination theory states that in order to motivate adaption, regardless of age, autonomy, competence, and relatedness must be met. There are also two different descriptions of techniques old adults use to cope with challenges they face—primary-control strategies and secondary-control strategies. Primary-control strategies “attempt to affect the immediate environment and often increase feelings of mastery and self-esteem” (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). Secondary-control strategies “attempt to change ourselves, such as changing goals” (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). If a person is able to transition from facing a challenge using secondary-control to primary-control, it is much more likely the individual will achieve