... many as being less competent, less intelligent and more physically frail than young adults (Belsky, 1990, p. 3). Loss of function of some kind is no doubt a dominant theme across the life span. However as Adams (1991, p. 323) found, within this life span perspective, development over the life course involves both a process of growth and decline. Other research such as studies conducted by Berg and Sternberg (1992, p. 221) in conceptions of intelligence across the life span also support these findings. This discussion will argue that old age is a period of decline but at the same time it is also a period of growth and development. In this discussion the attributes of cognitive processing, memory, subjective well-being, wisdom and to a lesser extent intelligence will be reviewed. Research findings do not conclusively support the pessimistic views of old age that suggest it is solely ...

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