Towards a positive psychology of ageing: potentials and barriers

Abstract

This paper indicates how recent trends in the emerging science of positive psychology can be applied to the development of a positive psychology of ageing. Given that an increasing proportion of the clients of psychologists in the future will be older adults, it is important for clinical psychologists and other professionals working with older people to understand the potential, as well as the limitations, of older adults for development and responsiveness to interventions. Gerontology, the study of ageing, is an ideal field in which to explore the possibilities of positive psychology because relatively little work has been done to identify gains and areas of growth. Historically, the decrements of older age have been over-emphasised. It is argued that the reasons for this imbalance are both theoretical and methodological. It is easier to operationalise attributes in which older people perform more poorly than younger ones than those in which older people may excel. Furthermore, while psychology has emphasised the individual, older people's strengths are more likely to be evident in the context of their social and physical environment. Empirical evidence is emerging that demonstrates the hitherto under-recognised skills, potentials, and contributions of older adults. The emerging science of positive psychology can contribute a great deal towards enabling the potential of older adults to be realised.