Final answer:
Chronological age can predict changes in physical and mental activity performance to some extent, but it is not an absolute predictor. Cognitive and physical abilities can vary with age, although factors like lifestyle and mental stimulation play a role in individual development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that chronological age is a strong predictor of performance in physical and mental activities posited by Caro, Bass, and Chen could be seen as both true and false, depending on the context and specific activities being considered. While it is true that physical abilities typically peak in the mid-20s and then begin to decline, cognitive abilities, particularly crystallized intelligence, can remain steady or even improve through early and middle adulthood. Only in late adulthood do we commonly see a decline in another area of cognitive abilities known as fluid intelligence.
Arguing that age is a unilaterally strong predictor would disregard the complexities of individual development and the impact of lifestyle, mental stimulation, and social support, which can mitigate physical and cognitive decline. Therefore, while chronological age can be associated with changes in performance, it is not an absolute predictor and is interrelated with multiple factors influencing individual aging and ability levels across the lifespan.