In my opinion, Van Gogh is a perfect representation of a person fitting into the Peak and Decline model. His most famous works were produced between his 20s and late 30s, and in a decade, he created more than 1.000 pieces of art. Although he committed suicide at 37, it is evident that his most productive years were in his 30s. The Life Span Developmental Model is more fitting for another painter, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. Rembrandt created artworks throughout his whole life, but paintings that he created in his late life (when he was 50 years old or older) are more professional, creative, and vital.
A biological process that can support the Peak and Decline model is the cognitive aging: according to Harada, Love, and Triebel (2013), fluid intelligence (problem-solving and reasoning about unfamiliar information) begins to decline in the third decade of life due to the decreased processing speed. Selective (a focus on specific information) and divided (a focus on multiple tasks) attention also deteriorates in aging adults, which leads to problems with concentration and calculation. Gray matter volume loss should not be neglected as well since it begins to decrease after age 20; it can be caused by the death of neurons (Harada et al., 2013). Thus, impairments in cognitive abilities lead to decreased creativity in older adults.
The first change would be increased attention to older adults’ artworks and art in general, which would reduce the level of ageism and stigma related to older adults in the society. Older adults involved in the art industry would be seen equal to young artists, and their work would be appreciated as well.
The second change is the happiness of older adults. According to Arts Council England (2017), 76% of seniors state that art and culture make them feel happy. Older adults’ confidence in their ability to create and compose would result in an increased satisfaction with life and improvement in its quality.
References
Arts Council England. (2017). Arts, culture and older people.
Harada, C. N., Love, M. C. N., & Triebel, K. L. (2013). Normal cognitive aging. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 29(4), 737-752.