LATE ADULTHOOD
Erik Erikson (1902-1994) proposed a lifespan theory of development. He described the late adult stage of our life as coming to accept one's whole life and reflecting on that life in a positive manner. He calls this stage of development Integrity versus Despair.
According to Erikson, achieving a sense of integrity means fully accepting oneself, one's accomplishments, and coming to terms with mortality. Accepting responsibility for your life and being able to undo the past and achieve satisfaction with self is essential. On the other hand, some may look back at their lives with a sense of doubt or gloom over their life's worth. This results in feelings of despair. For Erikson, successful resolution of this stage results in the virtue wisdom.
SOCIAL DOMAIN
The social world of older adults is varied. In general, most older adults place a high value on spending time with friends, sometimes moreso than time with family. This might be because of life events wherein family members are not always nearby or readily available. Also, many elders prefer not to interfere with or be a burden to their extended family. They strive to be independent and enjoy life with members of their own cohort. Within a marriage, couples may have trouble adjusting to retirement. This is most true for more traditional marriages. However, evidence suggests that married persons tend to be happier in late adulthood than single persons, though those who have never married often cope the best with feelings of loneliness in late life.
There is wide variation in the social lives of older adults. This is becoming even more apparant as stereotypes and expectations of the aged are becoming more optimistic. To learn more about everything related to senior citizins, visit the link below. It is a wonderful resource!
Welcome to Senior Sites
To me old age is always fifteen years older than I am. -Bernard Baruchod
PHYSICAL CHANGES and HEALTH ISSUES Most elderly experience declines in hearing, vision, taste, and smell. They also experience some declines in their ability to detect pain and notice temperature changes. These declines are typically gradual and become more pronounced in late old age (70 +). Other health related issues include rising blood pressure, declining lung capacity, and neural loss. It is important to note that declines in all these areas can be greatly influenced by one's lifestyle. Some may also experience changes in their sexuality. Physical declines in old age are inevitable, however, there is a lot of individual variation. Some older adults are extremely healthy while others face debilitating illnesses like cancer, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease. Some elders spend there last months of life receiving Hospice care. There are also many environmental factors that contribute to one's health in later life. Better Eating for Better Aging Aging, Exercise and Depression Alzheimer Web Parkinson Foundation Health Topics Diabetes and Growth Disorders
PHYSICAL CHANGES and HEALTH ISSUES
Most elderly experience declines in hearing, vision, taste, and smell. They also experience some declines in their ability to detect pain and notice temperature changes. These declines are typically gradual and become more pronounced in late old age (70 +). Other health related issues include rising blood pressure, declining lung capacity, and neural loss. It is important to note that declines in all these areas can be greatly influenced by one's lifestyle. Some may also experience changes in their sexuality.
Physical declines in old age are inevitable, however, there is a lot of individual variation. Some older adults are extremely healthy while others face debilitating illnesses like cancer, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease. Some elders spend there last months of life receiving Hospice care. There are also many environmental factors that contribute to one's health in later life.
Better Eating for Better Aging Aging, Exercise and Depression Alzheimer Web Parkinson Foundation Health Topics Diabetes and Growth Disorders
How many of us older persons have really been prepared for the second half of life, for old age, and eternity? - Carl Jung, Modern Man in Serach of a Soul,1933
TRAVEL & RECREATION
Age only matters when one is aging. Now that I have arrived at a great age, I might as well be twenty. -Picasso
GRANDPARENTING
Being a grandparent means different things to different people. For some it means having a sense of continuity. For others it involves emotional self-fulfillment. Others may not attach any real importance to their grandparent role. There is also great variation in the age at which one becomes a grandparent.
In general, grandparenting has three main styles. They are formal, fun-seeking, and distant figure. Of interest, grandparents are now able to file for visitation rights in court. This is likely due to the high number of divorces.
Grandparents Visitation Rights
With the ancient is wisdom; and in the length of days understanding. -Job 12:12
FINANCE & LAW
For many, late adulthood is a time of greater concern about financial security. In fact, this can be frightening if one is faced with healthcare or residential care costs. Most elder adults make about 1/2 of what they used to earn, and many must rely on Social Security for their income. Some older adults live in poverty. Most elders are also concerned with legal issues related to wills, trust funds, and thier estate.
Senior Law - Medicade, Medicare, Trust & Estates
Retirement Cash Flow Analyzer
Elder Abuse
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Many older adults have very active lifstyles. Some may be victims of stereotypes held against them. For example, older people might be viewed as children who need to be taken care of. Certainly, such negative stereotypes can make life more difficult for elders. However, most of these stereotypes are wrong. To learn more about the many advantages and opportunites of being aged, visit AARP.
Even for those who do not move, retirement is a moving experience. -Richard Armour
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