Supplemental Info for Final

Key Topics

• Sandwich generation
• Late life suicide
• Personality change in adulthood
• Emotional and social development in late adulthood (death)

Introduction

A Mix of Gains and Losses

• Time of pleasure: children grown, life’s work nearly done, lighter responsibilities
• Concerns: physical decline, loneliness, imminent death
• Benefits from family, friendship, leisure pursuits

Erikson’s Theory

Ego Integrity vs Despair

• Ego Integrity
  • Feeling whole and satisfied with achievements
  • Viewing life in context of humanity
  • Favourable psychological well-being
• Despair
  • Feeling wrong decisions were made and time is short
  • Expressed anger, bitterness, contempt

Robert Peck: Tasks of Ego Integrity

• Moving beyond life’s work, bodies, identities
• Ego Differentiation: Affirm self-worth through family, community
• Body Transcendence: Emphasize cognitive, emotional, social powers
• Ego Transcendence: Constructively face death, make life meaningful for others

Social Theories of Aging

Continuity Theory

• Maintain consistent self through familiar roles, routines
• Adapt to age changes in line with beliefs and values
• Examples: Retired manager building a children's library, runner switching to walking

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

• Goals set based on time perspective
• Older adults maximize emotional well-being, focus on fulfilling relationships
• Smaller but happier social networks

The Positivity Effect

• Focus on positive over negative information
• Resilience and emotional stability

Reminiscence and Life Review

• Reminiscence: Sharing stories about the past
• Life Review: Greater self-understanding from past experiences
• Benefits: Increased self-esteem, reduced depression
• Not essential for adjustment; present and future orientation

Self-concept and Personality in Late Adulthood

• Secure, multifaceted self-concept supported by self-knowledge
• Continued pursuit of possible selves

Spirituality and Religiosity in Late Adulthood

• Important to many aged 65+
• Reflective approach to spirituality and faith
• Associated with better physical, psychological well-being

Influences on Psychological Well-being

Control vs Dependency

• Dependency-support vs independence-ignore scripts
• Person-environment fit for adaptive behavior

Retirement

• Retirement age has risen; process is variable
• Decisions influenced by benefits, health, work commitment
• Adjustment involves giving up roles; opportunity for growth
• Factors: Financial worries, personal control, social support

Never-married Older Adults

• Develop alternative meaningful relationships

Friendships in Late Adulthood

• Strong predictor of life satisfaction

Elder Maltreatment

Forms and Risk Factors

• Physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse, neglect
• Often perpetrated by trusted family members or caregivers
• Dependency of victim and perpetrator
• Psychological traits and history of family violence
• Institutional conditions in low-quality nursing homes

This summary covers the main points of the lecture on late adulthood, addressing both psychological theories and practical aspects like retirement and elder maltreatment.