What term describes changes in physical and perceptual ability directly caused by the aging process?

The term that captures changes in physical and perceptual abilities that occur as a direct result of the aging process is primary aging effects. This concept refers to the natural and intrinsic biological processes that affect individuals as they grow older, which include gradual declines in strength, agility, vision, hearing, and other sensory functions. These changes are considered normal and expected aspects of aging, not influenced by external factors or health conditions.

In contrast, secondary aging effects are related to external influences such as lifestyle, environmental factors, and disease, which can exacerbate or accelerate age-related decline. Cognitive aging effects focus specifically on the changes in mental processes, such as memory and reasoning, rather than the broader aspect of physical and perceptual abilities. Environmental aging effects would refer to aging influenced by surroundings rather than intrinsic aging changes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the study of developmental psychology and aging.