Paul B. Baltes (psychologist)

Paul B. Baltes was a prominent German psychologist known for his work in developmental psychology and aging. He emphasized the idea of life-span development, proposing that growth and change occur throughout a person's life, not just in childhood. Baltes introduced the concept of "selective optimization with compensation," which describes how individuals can adapt to aging and loss by focusing on their strengths and finding ways to compensate for challenges. His research has greatly influenced how we understand development, learning, and aging, highlighting the potential for growth at all life stages.