This chapter discusses aging independently from 4 different perspectives: neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, personality psychology, and ecopsychology. The construct of plasticity is discussed, which is central for understanding the development of new behavior schemata, the compensation of developmental losses, and the effects of stimulation and training on sensorimotor and cognitive functioning. The next section proceeds from a multidimensional model of cognitive structure and development. It is argued that life competencies acquired in earlier ages do more than simply promote successful aging. The 3rd section takes the perspective of personality psychology and focuses on older peoples' inner experiences of aging, while the following section on ecopsychological aging research concentrates on empirical studies that illustrate impacts of the physical and institutional environment on everyday competence and well-being. In the final section, it is argued that competence can be defined only by integrating the perspectives discussed above. This definition stresses the responsibility of both the individual and society for a good life in old age. Institutional subsidiarity is discussed as a possible basis for deciding when state intervention is needed to strengthen individual resources.
Samenvatting