I feel that the biological and sociocultural theories make a better attempt at explaining the ageing process. The programmed theories of biological ageing propose that the ageing process is controlled by a biological mechanism that causes deficits in hormone and immune production at various life stages ( Chapter 1: Developmental psychology applied to ageing). This is portrayed by the physiological and psychological limitations that people experience as they age. On the other hand, sociocultural theories consider the role of the social, cultural and societal factors in facilitating the ageing process. This theory considers the impact of the microsystem, mesosystem and exosystem in the ageing process. These environmental factors influence individuals as they develop, forcing them to adapt to the changing environment.
I believe that the connectionist and selection, optimization and compensation (SOC) theories make an inadequate attempt to explain the ageing process. Based on the connectionist theories, cognitions play a major role in explaining ageing (da Costa et al., 2016) . The connectionist theories help understand peak performance and decline in the functioning of the various areas of the brain during development. However, these theories cannot entirely associate cognitive decline with ageing since some individuals experience the malfunctioning of the cognitive functions due to psychological disorders. On the other hand, the SOC model portrays ageing as a process of adaptation involving managing the gains and losses in each phase. As people age, they seek to minimize losses and impairments while maximizing the gains and growth ( Chapter 1: Developmental psychology applied to ageing). However, ageing is entirely composed of losses and not gains. Ageing is an unpleasant experience among most people, and mostly, individuals are excessively concerned about the losses they experience that they fail to live meaningful lifestyles.
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To study the ageing process, I would use the sociocultural theories of ageing. I would conduct a longitudinal study involving children from different locations. The sample population would be chosen through purposeful sampling to enhance diversity and inclusion in the population and the generalization of the results. This study would seek to evaluate the effect of the social, cultural and environmental factors among children as they develop through adolescence into adulthood and old age. The study would follow the participants across the lifespan and document the results in a scientific study.
References
da Costa, J. P., Vitorino, R., Silva, G. M., Vogel, C., Duarte, A. C., & Rocha-Santos, T. (2016). A synopsis on aging-Theories, mechanisms and future prospects. Ageing research reviews , 29 , 90–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2016.06.005
Chapter 1: Developmental psychology applied to ageing. Pp. 18-21
