Challenges and opportunities of psychological aging research

Abstract

The scientific study of psychological aging is very challenging due to the complex, multidimensional, multi-directional, and highly variable nature of change processes observed in adulthood and old age. Psychological aging encompasses phenomena that require interdisciplinary efforts to be understood. Recent advancements in technology (e.g., wearable devices, apps offering digital metrics, multimodal data collection, artificial intelligence, and big data algorithms) reconfigure the epistemology of behavioral and social sciences but can, if properly applied and analyzed, enhance our understanding of the mechanisms behind age-related within-person change. As researchers in the field of psychological aging, we must continually train in various domains and keep abreast of new methodologies, with the aim of advancing theoretical perspectives on aging. Collaborative, open, and cumulative research efforts are key to developing our knowledge of psychological aging. Additionally, as privileged observers of aging mechanisms and processes, we bear the responsibility to challenge stereotypes surrounding aging and help educate professionals in related fields who work with older populations. There is also a critical need for accurate scientific information about psychological aging to inform public and social policies, making our contributions even more valuable. This paper explores some of these challenges of psychological aging research and the opportunities they present.

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