6.8 Developmental Tasks in Middle Adulthood

Fluid Intelligence

It is the ability to solve novel problems and require little or no previous knowledge that peaks in young adulthood but declines from ages 20-60

Crystallized Intelligence

It is the ability to remember and use information acquired over a lifetime which depend largely on education and cultural experience. It increases or stays relatively stable with age

Need for Purpose

Need for Values

Need for a Sense of Efficacy

Need for Self-Worth

4 Main Needs for Making Sense in Life

Selective Optimization with Compensation

Enhancing overall cognitive functioning by using stronger abilities to compensate for those that have weakened

Selecting

Involves having fewer and more meaningful activities or goals

Optimizing

Using the resources they have efficiently to achieve their goals

Compensating

Using resources in alternative ways to achieve their goals