Critically evaluate the value of academic and applied psychology in addressing the challenges of life in the twenty-first century. (Increasing Aging Population) This essay will address the value of academic and applied psychology in addressing the challenges of increasing aging populations in the 21st century. Aging refers to the process of spiritual, mental, and social changes in organisms; however, population aging refers to the increasing number of older adults in society which may be the result of advanced medical resources. Nowadays, more and more people over the age of 65 are living longer and healthier lives, hence the growing population of older adults. In the 1950s, the elderly population was small as rarer people reached old and very old ages (over 80) (Martin, Carson, and Buskist 2013, p 406). It is predicted that 24% of the population will be over the age of 65 by 2030 and almost 50 million by 2050 (Czaja and Sharit 2009). The aging population represents an enormous social challenge for organizations, as they must be able to offer the necessary support for older people to live healthily and independently (Czaja and Sharit 2009). Gerontology is a scientific study of the aging process. One of the major issues for studying aging that may be linked to longitudinal designs involving older participants is that participants may become prone to disease and thus the variable affected may be affected (Martin et al 2013, p407). G. Stanley Hall (1844-1924) wrote the first book on the psychology of aging called senescence which included questionnaire studies of older adults (Cole 1984). Senescence is the state of aging characterized by the deterioration of the ability to respond to stress and the increased risk of diseases. Similarly...... half of the article ......ld of cognitive aging by providing researchers with the capacity and knowledge to be able to conduct aging studies focusing on learning and memory (Gridley et al 2000).Health Psychologists have provided broad interventions that would help healthy older adults remain productive and live independently, as well as ensuring that older adults receive the care and support needed so that they can continue to live in their communities for as long as possible . This has been done by addressing mental health needs and providing support to the growing population of older adults (). Psychologists have also focused on the clinical approach to older people with dementia and their caregivers (Bird, 1999). This area of ​​research has been supported by the finding that caring for an individual with dementia may be somewhat less stressful (Wells & Kendig, 1998).