Goals and aspirations are altered to keep them within a feasible range of an individual's abilities. This buffers the loss and allows the individual to maintain a sense of control and well-being. Individuals also cope by compensating for losses that are experienced. Compensation is accomplished in a number of ways, including the selection of manageable goals. When an individual decreases their number of demands or commitments, competence can be maintained in the selected goals.
Individuals also compensate through the process of social comparison.
By viewing the abilities of same age peers and comparing your own performance favorably, satisfaction is likely to follow. Individuals further compensate, primarily to functional or physical decline, through the use of external aids. These aids include walkers, hearing aids, note-taking, mnemonic aids for memory, and reliance on others. With any or all of these compensatory strategies in place, older individuals are in a better position to cope with the challenges inherent in aging. However, if you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty developing coping strategies, support groups, educational groups, and counseling services are available.