Question

Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood. As losses occur with physical - and some cognitive functions, a theory developed by Paul and Margaret Baltes, "selective optimization with compensation," is advanced to explain how adults engage in new learning and development despite aging and slow-downs.

1. Define "selective optimization with compensation" and discuss why this may occur in Adulthood years.

2. Give an example of selective optimization with compensation from your own life, or from someone you know who is in the Adulthood years.

Answer 1

1. The selective optimisation with compensation is a model that is focused on older adults. The model rests on the premise that encourages the elderly and seniors to take on an active position with respect to their aging, while setting goals that are not only meaningful but also attainable. In the developmental span, human beings tend to observe a peak in their physical and cognitive functioning during their early adulthood years, subsequent to which these abilities begin to show a rapid decline. To adapt well and cope with these losses, the selective optimization with compensation may have positive implications. For instance, for an individual who is losing his fine motor skills but is very fond of singing, the model would recommend him to narrow his attention on developing his vocal skills instead of working on his ability to paint.

2. I would like cite my grandfather’s example who is using the selective optimization with compensation model, although the moat not be aware of it. Due to his age, his energy levels have decreased to the extent that the is unable to engage in many physically-engaging activites such as jogging. However, his senses still remain quite sharp and he thus spends his time cultivating his other hobby, cooking.