Wisdom is one of the most positive attributes commonly associated with older people. One summary describes wisdom as an “expert knowledge system dealing with the conduct and understanding of life.”
True
False
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: ✅ True
Explanation:
Wisdom is indeed one of the most respected and positive attributes associated with older adults. The statement in the question, describing wisdom as an “expert knowledge system dealing with the conduct and understanding of life,” is accurate and aligns with well-established psychological and gerontological research.
This definition originates from the Berlin Wisdom Paradigm, a framework developed by psychologists Paul Baltes and Ursula Staudinger. According to this paradigm, wisdom is more than just intelligence or life experience—it’s a deep, practical knowledge about life that helps individuals navigate complex, uncertain, or value-laden situations. It includes:
- Rich factual knowledge about life (e.g., human nature, relationships, social norms).
- Procedural knowledge—knowing how to give advice or make judgments in life situations.
- Lifespan contextualism—understanding the context of life stages and events.
- Value relativism—acknowledging that values and life goals differ across cultures and individuals.
- Recognition and management of uncertainty—accepting that life is unpredictable and solutions are rarely perfect.
Older adults are often seen as wise because they’ve had more time to accumulate experiences, reflect on them, and learn from them. This deep reflection contributes to the kind of understanding described in the question.
However, wisdom is not guaranteed by age alone. Not all older people are wise, and some younger individuals may display wisdom. Still, statistically and culturally, wisdom is more often attributed to older individuals due to their extended life experiences, emotional regulation, and perspective on life.
Thus, the statement in question is true, as it reflects a widely accepted and research-supported understanding of what wisdom entails and how it is commonly associated with older people.