understanding behaviour in old age-the psychology of ageing

understanding behaviour in old age-the psychology of ageing

Background - demographic context
( Geropsychology )
• Psychological issues
tn~~l1ectand aging
Personality and ageing
• Social context



Intellect and ageing

Methodological issues in studying intellectual function over the
human lifespan
Differences between ages - comparing groups of different ages cross­
sectionally
Changes over time within individuals
Cohort effects e.g. numeracy/arithmetical skills
Validity of measures

Intellect and ageing


• More valid longitudinal studies paint a less pessimistic picture
• - Seattle study (35+ years follow up)
• 5 skill areas considered
Verbal meaning
Verbal fluency
Inductive reasoning
Numeracy suo:
Spatial orientation jlSll


Decline does not occur in all areas at same rate
Personality and ageing: a complex
relationship
• Does getting old change your personality?
• Or does a gradual throughout-life development in personality
eventually correspond to the social construct of an old person ?
• Developmental models and trait models