Aging Processes and Relationships

Age-Related Physical and Psychological Changes

The life-span development perspective as articulated by Paul Baltes encompasses the key idea that [Page 69]development is a lifelong process extending beyond the years of childhood and adolescence throughout the years of adulthood and old age. Development entails both growth or gains and decline or losses across the entire span of life. According to this view, the rate and direction of change vary for different aspects of human life, such as physical, cognitive, or personality functioning. Development is affected by historical, cultural, and social contexts, and developmental processes are modifiable through individual and societal interventions. Changes that take place in physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and other domains set the stage for experiences in family and friend relationships. Reciprocally, interactions with other people can have an impact on a person's development.

Under ordinary circumstances, peak physical functioning takes place during the adolescent and young adulthood years. As individuals grow older, they may begin to notice some external signs of aging, such as increased skin wrinkling and decreased visual acuity. Note, however, that most organ systems function well into very old age. Many of the physical limitations attributed to aging actually result from lifestyle choices that interfere with good health, such as poor diet, inadequate exercise, or smoking. Adults who engage in health-promoting behaviors generally can function well despite advancing age. Even so, wear and tear on the body along with some genetically programmed changes mean that older adults are likely to experience gradual decline in vision and hearing, the circulatory system, bone density, and muscle mass. Brain structure and functioning also changes with age. If any of these conditions lead to serious changes in health and functioning, the ability to interact with family and friends can also become impaired.

Turning to the psychological domain, Erik Erikson offered an analysis of psychosocial development across the life span that highlights particular challenges or turning points with emergent strengths or failures for each stage. In the adult years, the challenges encompass developing the capacity to form intimate relationships and care deeply about others versus remaining isolated, becoming concerned about the welfare of future generations versus being self-absorbed, and accepting one's life as satisfying and meaningful versus regretting one's choices and fearing death. Resolving these challenges successfully contributes both to personal maturity and to the quality of social relationships.

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