Psychological Aging Research
Welcome on the homepage of the Department of Psychological Aging Research!
Aims and Areas of Research
Against the background of the generally accepted concept of lifespan developmental psychology (see Dept. of Developmental Psychology) psychological aging research treats questions related to the description and explanation of age-related behavioral changes in the second half of life. Findings add to improving the course and outcome of aging.
1. Dynamics of psychological adaptation in middle and old age
Research related to this topics primarily pursuits the goal to better understand coping with aging and age-related loss. This family of research themes is conceptually driven by models of self-regulation in a lifespan perspective, resource models of aging well, and personality-related approaches.
Current research themes
- Role of sensory loss for development in adult life and old age with special consideration of visual impairment
- Contributions to research on well-being and quality of life
- Transitions from middle adulthood to old age
2. Psychology of physical and social context for aging well
Research related to this topics primarily pursuits the goal to better understand the role of person-environments relations and person-environment fit for aging well. This family of research themes is conceptually driven by models of environmental psychology and environmental gerontology.
Current research themes
- Psychological aspects of housing and home in middle adulthood, early age and very old age
- Comparative studies on the European level
- Linkages between physical and social contexts of aging
3. Applied psychology and gerontology of aging - contributions toward improving old age
Projects with strong applied components are anchored under this topic. These projects are informed by research work and findings from topics 1 and 2.
Current research themes
- Development of an instrument to pragmatically assess quality of life
- Aging and the new media
- Targeting the role of technology in various contexts (e.g., cognitive health, living environments, long-term care)
Department's history
The Department of Psychological Aging Research exists since February 14, 2005, as part of the Institute of Psychology of the University of Heidelberg. The department continues the work of the former Department of Social and Environmental Gerontology of the German Centre for Research on Aging (closed on December 31, 2006).
