chapter 1 Aging
chapter 1 Aging
Chapter One provides an introduction to the field of Adult Development, with an emphasis placed on the concept that development does not occur in a vacuum, but rather is a lifelong process reflecting systematic changes that allow people to adapt to their ever-changing environment. This may sound like common sense, but it wasn’t that long ago that theorists had a more “philosophical” approach to adult development and it was believed that once you hit about age 25, that was it. No more growth, no more taking in new experiences, no way to change those awful habits you have (ouch), life was pretty much at a standstill.
I. Why Study Adult Development?
A. An Aging Population
1. Historically speaking, it is a new and fairly recent situation to have such a large percentage of older adults in society.
2. For Americans born in 1900, the life expectancy was 47.3 years.
3. For those born in 1950, the life expectancy was 68.2 years.
4. Those born in 2000 have a projected life expectancy of 76.9 years
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2007), a stunning 29.6 years longer than those born 100 years earlier.
5. In the early 1900s, less than 5% of Americans lived to age 65 or older, whereas in 1995 the percentage had risen to 80%
(Langer & Moldoveanu, 2000).
http://lobby.la.psu.edu/_107th/125_SMART_Growth/Organizational_Statements/APTA/APTA_mobility_for_aging_pop_files/growth_rate.gif
6. The “graying” of the world’s citizens
a. In high-income, developed countries, the increased life expectancies and falling fertility rates will add momentum to the already apparent shift toward an older population.
B. Challenging Issues
1. Introduction
a. The rapidly increasing number of adults in their 60s and beyond brings with it the demand for information from those trying to meet current needs and prepare for the future.
b. In terms of the academic study of adult development and aging, there are theoretical issues that must be considered.
2. The Challenges
a. Accepting and utilizing the multidisciplinary nature of the study of adulthood.
b. Finding the balance between highlighting the things younger, middle-aged, and older adults have in common and bringing to light the diversity in adult populations
c. Dealing with the limited resources available for research.
