Development Across the Lifespan, Chapter 18

What determines whether personality changes or remains stable in late adulthood?

It depends on which facets of personality are considered.

According to Paul Costa and Robert McCrae, what happens to basic personality traits in late adulthood?

They remain stable.

What is the last stage of personality development according to Erik Erikson?

Ego Integrity versus Despair.

What characterizes the stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair?

It involves evaluating one's life and coming to terms with it.

What leads to a sense of integrity in late adulthood?

Feeling that one has realized and fulfilled the possibilities that have come their way.

What feelings are associated with despair in late adulthood?

Dissatisfaction with life, gloom, unhappiness, depression, anger, or feelings of failure.

What are the three major developmental tasks proposed by Robert Peck for older adults?

1. Redefinition of Self versus Preoccupation with Work-Role; 2. Body Transcendence versus Body Preoccupation; 3. Ego Transcendence versus Ego Preoccupation.

What does the task of Redefinition of Self versus Preoccupation with Work-Role involve?

Redefining oneself in ways that do not relate to work-roles or occupations.

What does Body Transcendence versus Body Preoccupation require individuals to do?

Learn to cope with and move beyond changes in physical capabilities due to aging.

What is the focus of Ego Transcendence versus Ego Preoccupation?

Coming to grips with one's coming death.

At what age do people typically enter late adulthood according to Daniel Levinson?

Around age 60 to 65.

What challenges do people face during the transition to late adulthood?

Struggling with being 'old,' facing illnesses and deaths of friends, and loss of power, respect, and authority.

What positive aspect can old age bring according to Levinson?

The freedom to engage in fun and entertainment.

What are the four personality types identified by Bernice Neugarten in coping with aging?

1. Disintegrated and disorganized; 2. Passive-dependent; 3. Defended; 4. Integrated.

What characterizes disintegrated and disorganized personalities?

They are unable to accept aging and often experience despair.

What is a key trait of passive-dependent personalities?

They live in fear of falling ill and fear of the future.

What do defended personalities do in response to aging?

They seek to ward off aging by acting young and engaging in youthful activities.

How do integrated personalities cope with aging?

They accept becoming older with a sense of dignity.

What is a life review in the context of personality development in old age?

It is a process where individuals examine and evaluate their lives.

What triggers a life review according to Robert Butler?

The increasing awareness that one will die.

What are some benefits of a life review?

Better understanding of life, resolution of lingering problems, sense of sharing with others, and may improve memory.

What are some negative aspects of a life review?

It can lead to obsession with the past and potential psychological dysfunction.

What do age stratification theories suggest about economic resources and privilege?

They suggest an unequal distribution exists among people at different stages of the life course.

What has happened to the power and prestige of older people in society?

It has eroded, making them seen as lacking and not productive members of society.

How do older individuals in less industrialized countries differ from those in industrialized countries?

They continue to be involved in daily life.

What is wisdom in the context of aging?

Wisdom is expert knowledge in the practical aspects of life, which has received little attention from gerontologists until recently.

What is a key challenge in studying wisdom?

Distinguishing wisdom from intelligence.

How does knowledge derived from intelligence differ from wisdom?

Intelligence is based on here-and-now knowledge, while wisdom is more timeless and provides understanding of human nature.

What does Disengagement Theory propose about late adulthood?

It marks a gradual withdrawal from the world on physical, psychological, and social levels.

What are some effects of disengagement in late adulthood according to Disengagement Theory?

People can become more reflective about their lives, less constrained by social roles, and more discerning about relationships.

Is disengagement a universal process for all older adults?

No, disengagement is not automatic or universal for all people in late adulthood.

What does Activity Theory suggest about successful aging?

Successful aging occurs when people maintain the interests, activities, and social interactions from middle age.

What is assumed to spring from a high level of involvement with the world according to Activity Theory?

Happiness and satisfaction with life.

What does Activity Theory suggest when it is no longer possible to work?

Replacement activities should be found, but simply being active may not always contribute to happiness.

What is the focus of Continuity Theory in the context of aging?

Maintaining a desired level of involvement in society to maximize well-being and self-esteem.

What factors are important in determining an older person's sense of well-being according to Continuity Theory?

Good physical and mental health, financial security, autonomy, independence, and a positive outlook on life.

What principle do Paul Baltes and Margaret Baltes propose for older adults coping with changes in old age?

Selective Optimization with Compensation, where individuals concentrate on particular skill areas to compensate for losses.

What percentage of older people end their lives in a nursing home contrary to the stereotype?

Only 5 percent.

What is the living arrangement of most people over the age of 65?

Two-thirds live with other family members, most often with a partner.

How does the living situation of Black Americans differ from that of White Americans among older adults?

Black Americans are more likely to live in multigenerational families.

What is a Continuing-Care Facility?

A facility where all residents are of retirement age or older and need various levels of care.

What is the role of assisted living for residents as their needs increase?

Residents move into assisted living with support from medical providers as needed.

What are Adult Day-Care Facilities?

They provide care for older individuals during the day, while allowing them to spend nights and weekends at home.

How do Adult Day-Care Facilities enhance interaction?

Some facilities combine adult care with infant and child-care programs.

What are Skilled-Nursing Facilities?

They provide full-time nursing care for individuals with chronic illnesses or those recovering from temporary medical conditions.

What is institutionalism in the context of nursing homes?

A psychological state characterized by apathy, indifference, and a lack of caring about oneself, often due to learned hopelessness.

What did Ellen Langer and Judy Rodin's study reveal about choice and mortality?

Only 15% of those given choices died within 18 months, compared to 30% of those without choices.

How does financial status in young adulthood affect late adulthood?

People who were well off tend to remain so, while those who were poor often remain poor.

What financial challenges do older adults face?

They often live on a fixed income that does not keep up with inflation and face rising health costs.

What is the typical retirement age trend?

The typical retirement age is moving downward to around 55 or 60.

What factors influence the decision to retire?

Burnout, job frustration, declining health, early retirement incentives, and a desire to travel or spend time with family.

What is the honeymoon period in retirement?

The initial stage where retirees engage in various activities they couldn't do while working.

What is disenchantment in the retirement process?

A stage where retirees realize that retirement is not as fulfilling as they expected.

What occurs during the reorientation stage of retirement?

Retirees reconsider their options and engage in new, more fulfilling activities.

What is the retirement routine stage?

A phase where retirees adapt to retirement and feel fulfilled.

What is the termination stage in retirement?

The stage where retirees either return to work or face health deterioration that affects independence.

How does marriage in later years differ between men and women?

A higher proportion of men over 65 are married, and 70% of women outlive their husbands.

What is the marriage gradient?

It makes remarriage easier for older men than for older women.

What do most married older adults report about their relationships?

The vast majority report satisfaction with their partner.

How can retirement affect relationships?

The stress of retirement or old age can change relationships, requiring them to be refashioned.

What change occurs in relationships due to retirement?

Couples spend more time together.

What changes occur in couples during retirement?

Couples spend more time together and share household chores.

How do men and women change in their behavior during late adulthood?

Men become more affiliative and less competitive, while women become more assertive and autonomous.

What responsibilities may arise in late adulthood regarding health?

Men and women may have to care for an ill partner, which can provide closeness and a sense of fulfillment.

What is a common demographic for caregivers in late adulthood?

In three-quarters of cases, the caregiver is the wife.

What are some challenges faced after the death of a partner?

Profound grief, loss of companionship, changes in social life, and economic changes.

What are the three stages of adjusting to widowhood?

1. Preparation for eventual death. 2. Grief and mourning, which may last months or years. 3. Adaptation to a new life.

What is complicated grief?

A form of unrelenting mourning that can impede normal functioning and may last for months or years.

How do friendships impact individuals in late adulthood?

Friendships are often more valued than family, provide flexibility, and help fill the gap after a partner's death.

What is social support in the context of late adulthood?

Assistance and comfort provided by friends or a network of caring individuals.

Why are sibling relationships important in late adulthood?

Siblings provide comfort as they have shared a large portion of life together.

What role do children play in the lives of older adults?

Children often provide support and care, and parents have a developmental stake in close ties.

How do grandmothers and grandfathers differ in their involvement with grandchildren?

Grandmothers are generally more involved than grandfathers.

What preference do many grandchildren have regarding their grandmothers?

Many grandchildren express a greater preference for their maternal grandmother.

How does the involvement of Black grandparents compare to White grandparents?

Black grandparents are more involved with their grandchildren, and Black grandfathers play a larger role than White grandfathers.

What is the relationship between great-grandparents and great-grandchildren?

Most great-grandparents do not have close relationships with their great-grandchildren but enjoy their status.

What is elder abuse?

The physical or psychological mistreatment or neglect of older individuals, affecting at least 11 percent of the older population.

Who is most likely to commit elder abuse?

Elder abuse is most frequently committed by a family member.

Which individuals are particularly vulnerable to elder abuse?

People diagnosed with Alzheimer disease and other dementias are particularly likely to be targets.

What is the best prevention method for elder abuse?

Family members should take breaks and seek assistance from social support agencies.

What should someone do if they suspect elder abuse?

Contact local authorities.