Rapporti ISTISAN 09/49 ISTITUTO SUPERIORE DI SANITÀ Ageing ...

Rapporti ISTISAN 09/49
2.8. Lifespan psychology
The Lifespan Psychology model considers the ontogenetic development along the whole life
span, like Erikson’s model. The development to which we refer is multidirectional,
multidimensional and multifunctional. It is a model having a strong evolution and a context
related mark (Baltes & Baltes, 1990). The idea of development suggested by this approach is
defined within interaction processes between biological and cultural factors, underlining the
necessity of a multidisciplinary approach. The development comes from the action of three
systems, in relation to age: normative, historical and non-normative influences. Development
processes are interactive and dialectic and assign an active role to the individual. The passage
from adult age to old age is not examined in relation to the passing of years, but in relation to
events. The result of ageing development depends on personal and social factors which take into
account the simultaneous presence of losses and gains. Resources are used according to the
needs of the development stage. If in the child energies are directed towards growth, energies in
the elderly are oriented towards the preservation of the state of health. The basic approach of
Lifespan Psychology is also used within the SOC (Selection, Optimisation and Compensation)
models.
2.8.1. SOC Model
Paul and Margaret Baltes have set up a meta-theoretical model, which tries to explain
optimal ageing as the result of the action of two processes: the maximisation of gains and the
minimisation of losses (Baltes, 1997). It is a universal and relativistic model at the same time.
Among the modern theories of development and ageing, the model of Paul Baltes (Baltes, 1987;
Baltes, 1997) well represents the perspective of the life cycle (life-span) and the new conception
of positive ageing. The SOC model offers new starting points for intervening in the elderly’s
life, in it an active selection is made by the individual himself as regards the loss of resources
and of the necessary means to reach the result. In case of losses it is possible to use different
strategies or to reduce the objectives of the performance (compensation).
We can briefly summarise the model suggested by Baltes, by saying that he affirms that by
adopting a positive perspective on ageing, this stage can be mastered by the individual and can
give the elderly new abilities and skills, also greatly increasing the quality of their life. Such
model is called SOC, which emphasises the processes implied in the improvement of the life
quality of the elderly: selection (a pianist can select, by reducing it, the repertoire of pieces he
can play), optimisation (he must practice more), compensation (he must adopt new strategies,
such as playing the pieces more slowly, in order to give the sense of speed, even if his fingers
have lost their speed). The positive culture of ageing suggested by Baltes, starts from the idea
that ageing is a complex and varied process which, implying different aspects, cannot be faced
in a linear and homogenous perspective. From this point of view, in the ageing stage both
dimensions inclined to improvement and dimensions clearly oriented to decline are
interconnected. According to Baltes in conditions of loss and/or limitation a person learns new
strategies of progress and acquires new abilities to cope with losses. Such idea can also be
traced back to the psycho-analytical tradition of social origin and particularly to the Individual
Psychology by Adler. A good ageing process is based on the emotional and cognitive mastery
of one’s own physical decline, which leads to a correct exam of reality and not to the refusal or
the negation of the decline itself. Baltes distinguishes seven key formulas which represent the
positive culture of ageing. The seven formulas by Baltes are:
1. The course of ageing is heterogeneous.
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