Final answer:
Socioemotional selectivity theory posits that older adults narrow their social interactions to minimize emotional risks, focusing on deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to socioemotional selectivity theory, selective narrowing of social interaction minimizes emotional risks as individuals get older. This theory, proposed by Carstensen in 1992, suggests that while older adults may have fewer social contacts, the relationships they maintain are highly meaningful and fulfill their emotional needs. As people age, they tend to prioritize relationships that are emotionally satisfying over a larger number of acquaintances, thus minimizing emotional risks and enhancing life satisfaction.