Life-Span Perspective
The life-span perspective sees human development as a lifelong process rather than one that stops after adolescence; instead, it continues into adulthood through old age. This perspective divides human development into two phases: an early phase of childhood and adolescence, in which there is a lot of growth and change, and a later phase that includes young adulthood, middle age, and old age, where changes slow, but abilities continue to develop? (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2011).
The Four Key Features of the Life-Span Perspective
According to Paul Baltes, there are four features of the life-span perspectivemultidirectionality, plasticity, historical context, and multiple causation (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2011, p. 4). Human development involves gains and losses that occur at the same time throughout ones lifespan. For example, some cognitive abilities such as vocabulary may continue to improve, but things like reaction time tend to decline.
Plasticity...
It is present even in late adulthood, as people can develop new skills or improve existing ones through
training and practice. However, not everyone has or maintains the same plasticity over time.
Every persons development is also shaped by his particular historical period and culture. For example, someone born in the early 20th century experienced...
…substantial. Countries with aging populations must address the strain on social security systems,
healthcare costs, and the shrinking workforce. For example, the United States is already witnessing significant increases in the number of older adults over 85, which is the fastest-growing segment of the population. This group often requires more assistance with daily living, which puts additional burdens on health care and social support services? (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2011).
Overall, the life-span perspective provides a good framework for understanding human development as a lifelong process that is shaped by multiple factors, including biology, culture, and historical context. Even the elderly population today is considerably diverse and needs…
