Erik Erikson coined eight stages of psychosocial development which he posits predetermine a person’s personality from infancy to adulthood. This assignment compare’s Erikson’s generativity versus stagnation to integrity versus despair stage in both the middle and late adulthood. Each stage has its own positive and negatives that influence individual thought processes and approach towards society. Further, the assignment highlights the various physical and cognitive changes that occur in late adulthood and personal proactive changes an individual can make to improve generativity in their lifetime.
Part A
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Of Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development, generativity vs stagnation is the seventh. This stage of development occurs during middle adulthood between the ages of approximately 40 and 65. In generativity individuals strive to make a mark by involvement in parenting, nurturing and creating things that will leave a mark (Bullard, 2014). The contribution to society and involvement in things that will benefit society is critical in the generativity stage. Stagnation, on the other hand, is characterized by mid-life crises where individuals struggle with finding meaning or a way to contribute to the world. Stagnation leaves one feeling disconnected from society. When individuals successfully overcome this stage, they reveal the virtue of productivity that involves contributing something for the greater good of other members in society.
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Integrity vs. Despair
This is the eighth and last stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. The stage begins during late adulthood at approximately the age of sixty-five and ends at death. Integrity vs despair stage onsets when ageing adults begin to tackle issues related to their mortality. During the stage of integrity, the individual feels accomplished with their achievements with few regrets and recriminations. Depending on whether an individual has successfully resolved through the other seven stages they can either experience a sense of integrity or despair. Despair sets in as a result of events such as terminal illnesses, loss of friends and colleagues, loss of spouse, divorce, and other changes that have significant impacts in one’s life (Bullard, 2014). Despaired individuals in their late adulthood feel that their lives are a waste and experiences many regrets. For example, those that have not saved up for their retirement would feel this way and wishfully hope they would turn back the clock and get a second chance. The ability to resolve the crisis at this stage leads to the development of ego integrity.
Life’s occurrences that are likely to affect negative or positive outcomes in the generativity versus stagnation stage include committing to other people, mentoring the young generation, being self-centred, and not getting involved with others. When one mentors young people, they become generative by contributing to the well being of the next generation. The action results in a positive outcome. However, when one puts their interests above those of everyone else, they fail to contribute to the well being of society and consequently result in stagnation. As such, individuals can be involved in several things to improve their generativity.
From a personal standpoint, three proactive changes that I can make to improve my generativity include starting a non-profit foundation to help the homeless, educating the young generation on the importance of sustainability, and reducing the carbon footprint. The last two actions will help ensure that future generations have a sustainable livelihood. Helping the homeless will feel satisfactory as I will have helped resolve the prevalence problem of homelessness in the United States.
Part B
Typically, the twenties are the peak of individuals’ physical strength which gradually declines as one ages. During late adulthood, physical changes that are likely to take place include the reduction in degree or atrophy of the brain and sequentially an alteration to the neural process. Also, the circulatory and respiratory systems operate less efficiently. Complications in the gastrointestinal tract may also result in digestive complications such as constipation (Bullard, 2014). Muscles also become weak unless exercising programs are adhered to. The once firm skin also dries and becomes less flexible. Both males and females alike experience hair loss. Body senses such as taste, smell, touch, hear, and vision also become less sensitive. Eventually, the body becomes less strong and could result in death.
Cognitive changes in late adulthood are complex. Cognitive characteristics such as motor and neural coordination decline with time. Also, the decrease in working memory of the elderly has been reported to be a crucial reason why during late adulthood it is difficult to do cognitive tasks (Bullard, 2014). Although not entire ability declines in late adulthood, the ability to resolve conflicts through patterns and relationships decreases. On the other hand, the use of accumulated information to make decisions improves in late adulthood.
The processes of death and dying have been studied extensively with patients exhibiting five major reactions. Some are denial and anger as they are envious of the people left alive. The process of dying is also characterized by bargaining where people tend to self-pity due to the failure of understanding why they should be the ones to die. At some point, individuals recognize that death is inevitable. However, the thought that separation from their families would result in exhaustion, depression, and futility could stir disturbance among those dying (Bullard, 2014). The process of dying is finalized by acceptance and people find peace as the process is inevitable.
Three proactive ways through which I can improve my physical health include staying active, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. Staying active could involve avoiding the sedentary lifestyle and maybe sometimes walk to work, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and regular exercise. Having a well-balanced diet will also give the energy to remain physically active and sequentially boost physical health. Finally getting adequate sleep is equally important for physical health. An average sleep of 7-9 hours daily will be effective.
In addition to physical health, cognitive health is equally important. Three ways I can improve my cognitive health include taking up a new hobby, reading actively, and regular exercising. I will actively read a book weekly. Reading boosts the brain's ability to rain information and sequentially improve cognitive abilities. I also intend to take a new and active pursuit that will require active thinking. Finally, I will enrol in the gym to ensure that my cognitive health is boosted.
Reference
Bullard, J. (2014). Creating environments for learning: Birth to age eight (3. baskı).
