Which statement reflects a developmental perspective in geriatric social work?

Which statement reflects a developmental perspective in geriatric social work?

• A. Growth occurs across the life span
• B. Aging is a terminal decline
• C. Change is unlikely in late life
• D. Adaptation is not needed in old age

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that development continues throughout the adult years, including older adulthood, with ongoing growth and adaptation. A developmental perspective in geriatric social work treats aging as a stage where people can continue to learn, change, and improve their functioning, identity, and relationships. Growth across the life span acknowledges that older adults can develop new skills, find new meaning, and adapt to life changes, rather than merely decline. This view contrasts with the other ideas that aging is terminal decline, that late life is a time of little or no change, or that adaptation isn’t needed. Those latter views overlook the evidence that older adults face ongoing transitions (retirement, health changes, loss) and can benefit from support to adapt and thrive.

The main idea is that development continues throughout the adult years, including older adulthood, with ongoing growth and adaptation. A developmental perspective in geriatric social work treats aging as a stage where people can continue to learn, change, and improve their functioning, identity, and relationships. Growth across the life span acknowledges that older adults can develop new skills, find new meaning, and adapt to life changes, rather than merely decline.

This view contrasts with the other ideas that aging is terminal decline, that late life is a time of little or no change, or that adaptation isn’t needed. Those latter views overlook the evidence that older adults face ongoing transitions (retirement, health changes, loss) and can benefit from support to adapt and thrive.