Aging and Adult Development in the Developing World

Book excerpt: Most studies of human development in developing societies have focused on the childhood stage, and in a few cases exploration has extended up to adolescence, since this age group represents about half the population in developing societies. The developed world, however, is experiencing a surge in the elderly population and this has spurred its study. There is growing recognition that studies are needed in order to understand aging in all contexts, and to discover how the experience may differ in developing and developed societies. In this book, the authors discuss the appropriateness or inappropriateness of applying Western theories and perspectives to studies of aging in the developing world. The present study critically examines the major theories in the area of aging and adult development, covering such domains as the physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging, death and dying, and social and public policies. Applying the concepts of individualism and collectivism, as well as the global and environmental dimensions of the developing world, the authors have earmarked the theories that seem suitable only to the developed world and those that appear to be universally relevant.