During adulthood, we decline right? False. We don't always decline in every category. Yes, some decline is inevitable according to chapter 11. (Lifesmart) Mental and physical abilities on average relatively has some decline although some individuals experience only moderate physical and no cognitive loss at all. For older adults, abilities may replace lost capacities.
During physical development in the adult's stages have key aspects such as genetic theories, major modifiers like nutrition, stress, illness, training, etc., changes in sensory abilities, reaction time appears to decline with age, and a strong relationship exists between physical and mental health. All this in which happens during the elder are something we must be aware of. (Lifesmart, pages 260-261)
Cognitive development has an even more serious impact on the elderly. Creativity drops off during this stage in life, but the quality of creative production and potential for creation production do not drop off. Another thing we tend to think of our grandparents in this area, but wisdom. Wisdom is a result of intelligence, personality, life experience, and age. Overall, cognitive development will be impacted.
Finally, social development in late adulthood. During this period in life, we experience a crossover in gender roles. (Lifesmart, pages 271-272) It may seem, odd but statistics prove it over time. Adding that adult men are usually more sexually active rather than women.
Glad you brought up not everything declines in late adulthood. Abilities may replace lost capacities is very well said.
ReplyDeleteJoey,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your positive outlook on late adulthood. Most people, including myself, always have this notation that when we get old, we can no longer function. A little bit of a dramatic thought process I must admit. I feel like I have failed to look at the healthy conditions of my grandparents and how active they are and how young they still look. Definitely needed to be reminded of this.
Thanks for your post!!
Interesting question to open up with. I think it depends on the current state of mind of the individual that you are asking. For someone focused academically in biology, they may say true. For someone focused socially, or psychologically, they may agree with you. Great point in identifying that are various categories to be determined and that this is subject to interpretation. Great point to think about!
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