18: Social and Personality Development in Late Adulthood

activity theory

the idea that it is normal and healthy for older adults to try to remain as active as possible for as long as possible

aging in place

living in a noninstitutional environment, to which modifications have been made to accommodate an older adult's needs

assisted-living facility

a facility in which residents live in small apartments and get help with housework, meals, and ADLs

continuing-care retirement community

facilities that offer a continuum of care ranging from independent living to skilled nursing care

continuity theory

the idea that older adults adapt lifelong interests and activities to the limitations imposed upon them by physical aging

disengagement theory

the theory that it is normal and healthy for older adults to scale down their social lives and to separate themselves from others to a certain degree

ego integrity

the feeling that one's life has been worthwhile

fictive kin

in black groups, friends who acquire the status of a close sibling, aunt, uncle, or grandparent

filial piety

a set of cultural beliefs in Asian societies that dictate that elderly parents should not be left to live alone

home health aide

a worker who provides an elderly person assistance with ADLs

independent living community

An apartment complex or housing development in which all the residents are over a certain age, typically 55 or 60.

life review

an evaluative process in which elders make judgments about past behavior

life satisfaction

a sense of personal well-being

religious coping

the tendency to turn to religious beliefs and institutions for support in times of difficulty

reminiscence

reflecting on past experience

self-transcendence

a state in which attention shifts from the self to something larger than the self

skilled nursing facility

a facility for older adults who need more assistance with ADLs than assisted-living facilities can provide

spirituality

a tendency to focus on the aspects of life that transcend one's physical existence

successful aging

the term gerontologists use to describe maintaining one's physical health, mental abilities, social competence, and overall satisfaction with one's life as one ages

volunteerism

performance of unpaid work for altruistic motives

workplace aging

application of developmental science to age-related issues that arise in the workplace