Question

Erikson's psychosocial crisis for late adulthood is Integrity vs. Despair. At this time in life, one views the entirety of their life and the successful resolution of this crisis would be a meaningful life course. As we age, the meaning of life becomes more important and older adults may attend more to those activities and people who support that meaning. Older adults often become more satisfied with life. This is in contrast to the popular belief of most young adults that ageing is a time when well-being declines. (Lacey, Smith, \& Ubel, 2006). Carstensen et al. (2011) found that instead of declining well-being, people were happier as they approached ageing. Their emotional lives become more stable and they may experience the positivity effect (Mather \& Carstensen, 2005) in which they selectively pay attention to and recall more positive emotional experiences. Consistent with the socioemotional selectivity theory, aging adults, more aware of their limited time, select those positive experiences over negative experiences. Why is it important to consider your attitudes toward ageing?

Answer 1

Considering attitudes toward ageing is important as it can influence whether we experience late adulthood with satisfaction and integrity or with regret and despair. Positive attitudes promote well-being and fulfillment, facilitating a richer emotional life in old age.

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering our attitudes toward ageing is crucial because they can significantly influence our overall well-being in later life. According to Erik Erikson's theory, in late adulthood, we face the psychosocial crisis of Integrity vs. Despair, where we reflect on our past and either achieve a sense of fulfillment or fall into regret and sadness. A positive attitude towards ageing can lead to a sense of integrity and satisfaction, as successfully resolving this crisis means looking back on one's life with pride and minimal regrets. Conversely, negative attitudes can contribute to feelings of despair.

Fostering positive perceptions of ageing can promote emotional stability and a mindset oriented towards happiness and emotional richness—the positivity effect. By prioritizing one's finite time, older adults can focus on meaningful experiences that enhance life satisfaction, possibly leading to a happier and more fulfilling ageing process. It is essential, therefore, that both individuals and society cultivate a healthy perspective on ageing and recognize its potential for continued growth and happiness.

It's important to consider attitudes toward ageing because they can determine whether an individual experiences later life with a sense of satisfaction and integrity or with feelings of regret and despair. Positive attitudes toward ageing can enhance well-being and lead to a more fulfilling and emotionally rich life.