Paul Baltes

Paul Baltes was a prominent psychologist known for his work in developmental psychology and life-span development. He emphasized that human development is a lifelong process, shaped by a balance of gains and losses at different life stages. Baltes introduced the concept of "selective optimization with compensation," which suggests that individuals can achieve their goals by focusing on their strengths and adapting to their limitations as they age. His research highlighted the importance of understanding how both nature and nurture influence human behavior throughout life, contributing to our knowledge of aging and psychological resilience.