Late Adulthood Research Paper
Late Adulthood
Late adulthood is one of eight stages in Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. It is the last stage in a person’s life- after the age of 65 until death.
Increased age is associated with greater maturity and well-being. The psychosocial crisis is considered to be Ego Integrity versus Despair. To solve this crisis, individuals ask the questions: “Have I lived a full life?”, or “Was my life worth it?” People reflect on their lives, and deem themselves both as worthy and successful (leading to integrity), or as unfulfilled and disappointed (leading to despair).
The developmental task is retrospection (looking back at one’s life and remembering past experiences and accomplishments). They should be able to cope with good choices and memories, and ones they regret, …show more content…
The elderly also live in “retirement homes”, especially if they are physically or mentally impaired. Women usually retire earlier than men. After retirement, individuals devote their time to leisure activities and hobbies (such as knitting, gardening, etc.), or care for younger family members.
Relationships
Companionship is very important in this stage of life. Many people experience great satisfaction in marriage in later life, because they can spend more time together, enjoy hobbies, and there is more positive communication. A “social convoy” is also a common term used for a cluster of family or friends who provide safety and support to an individual.
Widowhood
Widows or widowers are people who’s spouse is deceased. Widows make up about one third of the elderly population in industrialized countries. Widowhood can lead to loneliness, and depression. It is important for widows to seek out a stable community, and reconstruct their own identity from their past identity with their spouse.
Life Expectancy
Definition: “The average period that a person may expect to live.” (Meriam-Webster
Late adulthood is one of eight stages in Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. It is the last stage in a person’s life- after the age of 65 until death.
Increased age is associated with greater maturity and well-being. The psychosocial crisis is considered to be Ego Integrity versus Despair. To solve this crisis, individuals ask the questions: “Have I lived a full life?”, or “Was my life worth it?” People reflect on their lives, and deem themselves both as worthy and successful (leading to integrity), or as unfulfilled and disappointed (leading to despair).
The developmental task is retrospection (looking back at one’s life and remembering past experiences and accomplishments). They should be able to cope with good choices and memories, and ones they regret, …show more content…
The elderly also live in “retirement homes”, especially if they are physically or mentally impaired. Women usually retire earlier than men. After retirement, individuals devote their time to leisure activities and hobbies (such as knitting, gardening, etc.), or care for younger family members.
Relationships
Companionship is very important in this stage of life. Many people experience great satisfaction in marriage in later life, because they can spend more time together, enjoy hobbies, and there is more positive communication. A “social convoy” is also a common term used for a cluster of family or friends who provide safety and support to an individual.
Widowhood
Widows or widowers are people who’s spouse is deceased. Widows make up about one third of the elderly population in industrialized countries. Widowhood can lead to loneliness, and depression. It is important for widows to seek out a stable community, and reconstruct their own identity from their past identity with their spouse.
Life Expectancy
Definition: “The average period that a person may expect to live.” (Meriam-Webster