Ch 12 Late Adulthood

Chapter 12 Late Adulthood

Late adulthood is the last stage of life before death. During this stage individuals social behaviors as well as cognitive behavior change. The authors discuss the many changes as well as the implications for social work. There are many theories that  place effort in trying to explain the different behaviors of the elderly.

Late adulthood is classified as the years from 60 until death. “Erik Erikson termed this eighth life stage as “old age”, characterized by the developmental task of integrity versus despair” (Ashford & Lecroy, 2013). Erikson’s theory states that people generally reflect on life experiences as they get older. The theory also suggests that people find a sense of integrity  while reflecting on their past experiences and excepting their life. In some instances some people may reflect and realize that they aren’t pleased with their life’s outcome. This is when despair comes into play.

Another renowned theory is the Continuity Theory by Robert Atchley. This theory emphasizes that people change less with aging than they stay the same (Ahsford & Lecroy, 2013). The theory is based off a study that found relative constancy of personality traits from young adulthood to old age. This theory would imply that the person’s “true self” would remain the same even through life events and growth. The core charesterics of the person would remain. Atchley’s theory states that changes that occur with age is done using familiar strategies from the individuals past (Ashford & Lecroy, 2013). Atchley suggests “Because of continuity, human development in later life is subtle”.  

Ashford, J. B., Lecroy, C. W. (2013) Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Belmont, CA: Cengage