Question

Describe some of the personality changes of late adulthood. Think of the Big Five factors: What is still changing as we reach late adulthood?

Answer 1

Robert Peck suggests that personalitydevelopment in elderly people is occupied bythree major developmental tasks or challenges.

The first is REDEFINITION OF SELF VERSUSPREOCCUPATION WITH WORK-ROLE,which means that those in old age must redefinethemselves in ways that do not relate to their work-roles or occupations.

The second major task is BODY TRANSCENDENCEVERSUS BODY PREOCCUPATION, a period in which people must learn to cope with and move beyond changesin physical capabilities as a result of aging.

The third developmental task is EGO TRANSCENDENCEVERSUS EGO PREOCCUPATION in which elderly peoplemust come to grips with their coming death.

Rather than focusing on commonalitiesof aging, this Bernice Neugarten’s Study focused onthe different ways that people cope withaging.

Four different personality types amongthose in their 70’s

Disintegrated & disorganized

Disintegrated & disorganized

Unable to accept aging

Experience despair as they age

Often end up in nursing homes, or are hospitalized

Passive-dependent personalities

Lead lives filled with fear

Illness

Future

Inability to cope

May seek out hope, even when not needed

Defended personalities

Seek to ward off aging

May try to act young

Exercise vigorously

Youthful activities

Unrealistic expectations may lead to disappointment

Integrated personalities

Most successful

Cope comfortably with aging

Accept becoming older & maintain self dignity