Ella Carter

SOCW 3339-030

Theoretical Blog 2

Late Adulthood

     Erick Erickson considered Late Adulthood as the eighth life stage “old age”, this was the developmental task of integrity versus despair.  Erickson along with psychoanalyst Carl Jung believed with age people tend to become more introspective and reflective.  If one’s life had been successful and rewarding they “experience satisfaction and develop integrity”.  If their life has unresolved conflict and the feeling of disappointment they may experience despair (Ashford & Lecroy,p 597).  Other theorist believed that one stage such as 60 years till death was limited in explaining the different stages of late adulthood.  Newman and Newman considered late adulthood to be ages 60 to 75 and very old age to be 75 until death (p.597).

     There have been many theories as to what age a person is when they enter certain stages and what those stages are.  One of these theories took a new look at the activity and disengagement ways of identifying what factors contribute to successful aging.  The three main focusses were (1) maintaining cognitive abilities, (2) avoiding disease and maintaining physical functioning, and (3) maintaining active engagement with life (p.600).  Research by Rowe and Kahn who developed this theory and published the book Successful Aging were inclined to believe that most of these factors are in the individual’s control.  The criticism of this theory is inequalities for ethnic minorities, female elders, uninsured and the uneducated, successful aging is not as equally attainable (p.601).  Along with those not being included are disabled, cognitively impaired, and the frail aren’t viewed as successful agers.

     Two theories that are similar and relate the importance in older adults needs for solitude, choice, and meaningful relationships is Socioemotional theory and Gerotranscendence theory.  Socioemotional theory suggest that older adults regulate their emotions and energy by deciding how and with whom to invest their emotional energies.  As older adults familiar and reliable relationships become more important.  Gerotranscendence theory believes that optimal aging is when a person becomes more spiritually contemplative and transcends concerns about the deteriorating physical and materialistic concepts of everyday life and focus on connectedness with others and the spiritual realm (P.601).  With all these theories as with all stages of life considerations with what is happening in the PIE is always a factor no matter what age.

References:

Ashford J. B., & Lecroy, C. W. (2013).Human Behavior in the Social Environment; A

     Multidimensional Perspective (5^th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.