What is meant by "cognitive development"?

Cognitive development refers to the acquisition and advancement of cognitive skills throughout the lifespan. This encompasses how individuals think, learn, remember, and solve problems, starting from infancy and continuing into adulthood and old age. It includes stages and processes such as the development of language, reasoning abilities, and logical thinking. Cognitive development is not limited to childhood; rather, it recognizes that individuals can continue to develop their cognitive skills throughout life, adapting to new experiences and information.

In contrast, the progression of physical growth in children focuses solely on physical changes and does not encompass the mental processes involved in cognition. The development of social skills in adulthood pertains specifically to interpersonal interactions and does not address cognitive functions or skills. The decline of cognitive abilities in old age is a specific aspect of cognitive development but highlights a negative trajectory rather than the overall progression and improvement of cognitive abilities that the correct answer emphasizes.