11280. PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING AND AGING. This paper critically examines the proposition that psychological functioning does not deteriorate with age. Reviews theories on aging and cognitive changes and analyzes current research on the topic. Includes the results of six interviews. Concludes that cognitive decline of some type ("slowing" of intellectual processes and memory deficits) is inevitable even in "successful aging." Includes analysis on factors known to be associated with more and less rapid cognitive declines among the elderly. 16p. (+ interviews), 45f., 20b.