Aims of the Journal

The aims of the journal of Aging Psychology (AP) focus on advancing the understanding of psychological processes related to aging and promoting the well-being of older adults. The journal seeks to publish original empirical research and reviews that contribute to theories and practices in aging psychology, emphasizing the importance of both normative and atypical aging experiences. It encourages interdisciplinary collaboration by welcoming studies that explore the interactions between psychological, social, and biological factors affecting older individuals. Additionally, the journal of Aging Psychology (AP) aims to facilitate communication between researchers and practitioners to enhance policies and practices that support healthy aging. By addressing a wide range of topics—including cognitive development, emotional well-being, and social relationships in later life—the journal aspires to be a leading platform for innovative research that informs both academic discourse and practical applications in the field of aging psychology.

Introduction to Aging Psychology

Aging psychology is a vital field that explores the psychological changes individuals experience as they age, focusing on the interplay between cognitive, emotional, and social processes throughout the lifespan. This discipline examines how aging affects mental health, identity, and overall well-being, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities that come with growing older. Research in aging psychology investigates various factors, including subjective age perceptions, resilience, and coping mechanisms, which can significantly influence an individual's quality of life. Moreover, it integrates theories of aging—such as continuity theory and socioemotional selectivity theory—to better understand how people adapt to life transitions and maintain their psychological health in later years. By recognizing the complexity of aging as a multifaceted experience, aging psychology aims to promote healthier aging through informed interventions and support systems tailored to the unique needs of older adults.

    Aging psychology is a broad field that examines the psychological aspects of aging across the entire lifespan. It investigates how individuals' thoughts, behaviors, and emotions change as they grow older, focusing on both the positive and negative aspects of aging. This field encompasses:

• Developmental Changes: Understanding how cognitive, emotional, and social processes evolve from young adulthood into old age.
• Life Span Perspective: Emphasizing that aging is not merely a decline but also includes opportunities for growth and adaptation throughout life.
• Research Focus: Aging psychology often involves studying normative changes in behavior and subjective experiences that occur after young adulthood, including how these changes affect overall well-being.

Geropsychology

Geropsychology is a specialized subfield within psychology that specifically addresses the mental health needs of older adults. It applies psychological principles to understand and assist older individuals facing unique challenges associated with aging. Geropsychology is a specialized area within professional psychology that utilizes psychological principles and techniques to understand and assist older adults and their families in promoting well-being, addressing challenges, and reaching their fullest potential in later life. This field recognizes the significant diversity among older individuals, the intricate ethical dilemmas that may emerge in geriatric care, and the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches to treatment. Geropsychology encompasses services for older adults and their families, as well as for healthcare, social service, and residential organizations. These services are provided in various settings, including outpatient and inpatient medical facilities, mental health services, and long-term care environments. Key features of geropsychology include:

• Clinical Focus: Geropsychologists provide direct clinical services to older adults, addressing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and adjustment to life changes.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: This specialty often involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care that considers the biopsychosocial factors affecting older adults.
• Specific Populations: Geropsychology targets older adults and their families, focusing on issues like coping with chronic illness, grief, caregiving strains, and end-of-life care

Summary of differences between aging psychology and geropsychology

In summary, while both fields are concerned with aging, aging psychology takes a wider lens on the psychological processes throughout life stages, whereas geropsychology zeroes in on the mental health needs and challenges faced by older adults specifically. The journal of Aging Psychology (AP) was established to reflect the growing role of research in the field of aging. This journal aims to introduce diverse research in psychology and related fields with an interdisciplinary method. As a result, experts in psychology, sociology, anthropology, aging, public health, economics, elderly nursing, demography, epidemiology, sports science, etc. are invited to submit their cross-disciplinary studies on psychological factors related to the elderly for publication in this journal. Since the current state of knowledge is as important as knowledge production, all reviews, critical and meta-analysis articles in this journal may have the chance to be reviewed.