HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTSOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Dr. Lisa BelfieldDr. Lisa Belfield

UNIT 9: CHAPTER 12LATE ADULTHOOD: AGES 60+ YEARS

““Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter”. Mark Twaindon't mind, it doesn't matter”. Mark Twain

““Old minds are like old horses; you must Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order”. John Quincy Adamsworking order”. John Quincy Adams

Late Adulthood

Erikson’s theory: INTEGRITY versus DESPAIR “As older adults, some can look back with a feeling of

integrity — that is, contentment and fulfillment, having led a meaningful life and valuable contribution to society. 

Others may have a sense of despair during this stage, reflecting upon their experiences and failures. They may fear death as they struggle to find a purpose to their lives, wondering “What was the point of life?  Was it worth it?”

http://www.learning-theories.com/eriksons-stages-of-development.html

Late Adulthood (Age 60 – end of life)

Commonalties in Aging

Concern with leaving a legacy, this relates to Erikson’s integrity versus despair

A change in the sense of time Wanting to fulfill the elder function Attachment to familiar objects Creativity, curiosity, and surprise

Ponder this…

Ponder this…

The Biophysical DimensionThe Biophysical Dimension

Late Adulthood Life span vs. Life expectancy Death and Dying

5 stages of the dying process:

1. Denial and Isolation

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Depression

5. Acceptance End-of-Life Care

The Psychological DimensionThe Psychological Dimension

Cognitive Development

Fluid intelligence: Abstract reasoning ability

Crystallized intelligence: Accumulated information & verbal skills

Test your Brain Age! Take this quick brain age test at:

http://www.freeonlinegames.com/game/brain-age-test.html

Do not think about it too much, just quickly take the test – it should take you about 7 minutes.

Read all of the instructions CAREFULLY. Report your results (if you dare!). What is your

chronological age? What is your brain age? [Example: 38/27]

The Social DimensionThe Social Dimension

Widowhood

Psychosocial adjustment85% of wives outlive their

husbandsDifferences between widows and

widowers

Parent-Child Relationships

Types of support typically given by adult children to their older parents:Emotional SupportInstrumental SupportManagement of medical

conditions

Aging Successfully

Chronological Age

vs.

Mental Age

vs.

Spiritual Age

We whisper a new baby’s name to the rising sun,we laugh as the child mistakes a cow for a dog, we call each other “buttface”, we learn and grow,we dye our hair purple as we struggle to establish a unique identity,we work and we love and sometimes we cry,we stand at the crossroads and hesitate for justa moment before moving on,we stare as the shoreline recedes and the ship

sailsaway before finally turning to hear the voicescalling from the other shore…

Ashford, LeCroy, & Lortie, 2009, p. 626

This week please read the article titled, From Tragedy to Triumph: Counselor as Companion on the Hero’s Journey (the link is on the course home page).

I encourage you to post to the discussion board in Unit 10 this week. This is a great opportunity for you to process your learning during the course.

There is no seminar scheduled for next week.

Thanks for productive, interesting and fun seminars this term!

UNIT 10