The Value of Academic and Applied Psychology in Facing the Challenges of of Life in the Twenty-First Century

Critically evaluate the value of academic and applied psychology in facing the challenges of life in the twenty-first century. (Increasing ageing population)

This essay will be addressing the value of academic and applied psychology in facing the challenges of increasing ageing population in the 21st century.

Ageing refers to the process of spiritual, mental and social changes in organisms; however, population ageing refers to the increasing number of older adults in society which might be the result of advanced medical resources. Nowadays there are more people over the age of 65 living longer and healthier, hence the increasing population of older adults. In the 1950s, the elderly population was small as rarer people reached old and very old (over 80years) age (Martin, Carson, & Buskist 2013, p 406). A predictable 24% of the population will be over the age of 65 by 2030 and almost 50 million by 2050 (Czaja and Sharit 2009). The ageing population provides a huge social challenge for organisations, as they need to be able to offer the support needed for older adults to live healthily and independently (Czaja and Sharit 2009).

Gerontology is a scientific study of the ageing process. One of the main problems for studying ageing that can be linked to the longitudinal designs involving older participants is that participants may become prone to illness and hence the variable interested in may be affected (Martin et al 2013, p407). G. Stanley Hall (1844-1924) wrote the first book on the psychology of ageing called senescence which included questionnaire studies of older adults (Cole 1984). Senescence is the state of ageing which is typified by the deteriorating ability to respond to stress and increased risk of diseases. Likewi...

... middle of paper ...

...ld of cognitive ageing by providing researchers with the ability and knowledge to be able to conduct studies of ageing by focusing on learning and memory (Gridley et al 2000).

Health psychologists have provided ample interventions that would help healthy older people remain productive and live independently as well as ensuring that the elderly receives the care and support need for them to continue living in their communities for as long as possible. This has been done by addressing the mental health needs and by providing the support for the growing population of older adults ().

Psychologists have also focused on clinical approached on older people with dementia and their caregivers (Bird, 1999). This area of research has been supported by the result stating that caring for an individual with dementia can be in some way less stressful (Wells & Kendig, 1998).