Final answer:
The conflict experienced by older adults in Erik Erikson's stages of development is Integrity versus Despair, involving a reflection on life and contributing to a sense of satisfaction or failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Erik Erikson's stages of development, the conflict that the older adult experiences is Integrity versus Despair. This occurs during the final stage of Erikson's theory, often referred to as late adulthood. During this period, individuals reflect on their lives and either achieve a sense of integrity, feeling satisfied with their contributions and life achievements, or fall into despair over unaccomplished goals and missed opportunities. This stage generally involves people looking back to assess the meaning of their life contributions.
Those who resolve the conflict successfully are able to feel proud and have few regrets, leading to integrity. Conversely, when individuals cannot overcome the challenge, they may experience bitterness, depression, and a sense of wasted life, characterized as despair.