REQUIRED READING
- Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course(6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Chapter 9, “Late Adulthood” (pp. 312-355)
- Case Study 9.2 (p. 312) will be one focus of the Discussion.
- Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. (2016). Older Americans 2016: Key indicators of well-being Links to an external site.. Retrieved from https://agingstats.gov/docs/LatestReport/Older-Americans-2016-Key-Indicators-of-WellBeing.pdf
Post the following:
- Describe two social role transitions and life events that occur in late adulthood.
- Explain whether ego integrity is a predictor of successful adjustment in late adulthood.
Respond to two colleagues:
- Describe one way in which each colleague might assist clients in later adulthood with the role transitions they described.
RESPONSE1
Describe two social role transitions and life events that occur in late adulthood.
One social role is transitioning into grandparenthood. According to our textbook ” Today, approximately 10% of children in the United States are living with a grandparent, and a grandparent is the primary caregiver for a large minority of these children (pg. 395). I know in my own personal experience that I provide a great deal of support for some of my grandchildren.
Families in later life, it is thought that elderly or later adulthood individuals have a better quality to their lives if they have a relationship like marriage. The significant other provides social support, emotional support and care in times of being ill. Living alone can have its benefits but I think that the older I get that being alone is a lot lonelier.
- Explain whether ego integrity is a predictor of successful adjustment in late adulthood.
- Ego integrity is the eighth and final stage of Erik Erikson’sLinks to an external site.stage theory of psychosocial development. When a person is able to look back upon their lives and have a sense of wellbeing. It helps the adjustment into late adulthood. Even for myself getting older and reflecting back on my life I have a lot of things that I didn’t like. I have made changes in the last few years, but I squandered a lot of my life away battling addiction and criminal lifestyle. I know that now that I am living a life that I like and being a person, I respect I want to stay around for a lot longer. I can’t get back the years that are gone I can only make the best of the day I have.
Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
RESPONSE2
Main Discussion Post #1
Describe two social role transitions and life events that occur in late adulthood.
Grandparenthood and retirement are two social role transitions and life events in late adulthood.
Grandparenthood is a standardizing aspect of the family life pattern and a welcome and gratifying role for many, with most not residing with their grandchildren (Hutchison, 2019). In some instances, older individuals assume full responsibility for raising their grandchildren, but many custodial grandparents and their grandchildren benefit or prosper from the situation and have positive outcomes (Hutchison, 2019).
Retirement is a socially accepted way of ending an active role in the workforce, but the transition is becoming more blurred than individuals usually think. Many retire for various reasons, such as advancing age, health issues, pursuing other interests, or relaxing and enjoying life (Hutchison, 2019). Hutchison (2019) also states, “For every person who indicated that retirement was terrible for their health, four retirees said it had improved their health” (p. 344). My mom was one where retirement was not good for her health. She retired from the US Post Office in February of 2016, had a stroke in July of the same year, and was diagnosed with dementia three years after that; she was a healthy, non-smoking, full-of-energy middle-aged woman, ready to enjoy life, and has not been the same since retiring.
Explain whether ego integrity is a predictor of successful adjustment in late adulthood.
“Ego integrity versus despair is the eighth and final stage of Erik Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial development. This stage begins at approximately age 65 and ends at death. During this time, we contemplate our accomplishments and can develop integrity if we see ourselves leading a successful life; this stage takes place after age 65 and involves reflecting on one’s life and either moving into feeling satisfied and happy with one’s life or deep regret” (Mcleod, 2023, para. 1). In my mom’s situation she admits to living her life to the fullest with no regrets. Although she wishes to enjoy her retirement with her husband as planned, she is thankful and accepts that she had 20 years at the post office and could watch her kids and grandchildren grow up and accomplish their goals. Therefore, I am still determining whether ego integrity predicts successful adjustment; it does, according to my mom.
Reference
Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Mcleod, S. (2023, June 9). Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/Links to an external site.
