aging, behavior changes

n. Behavior changes associated with aging in the absence of disease are commonly linked to principles of life span development. Because not all behavioral change is developmental, certain criteria must be met to define a given behavior change as such. These criteria include behavior changes which

direct individuals toward a state of maturity, exhibit qualitative and quantitative or stagelike change,
display relative robustness or irreversibility of change, and
support movement toward greater complexity and differentiation.

The area of behavioral gerontology emphasizes behavior as modifiable, reversible, and contextually driven. From this perspective the primary goal is to assess the causes of behavior change and create appropriate interventions to eradicate behaviors deemed problematic to the elder or others. Numerous other behavior changes are associated with diseases common among older adults, but these should be defined in relation to each disorder, not in relation to aging per se.    - TJM