Final answer:
Erikson's developmental task of later adulthood is integrity versus despair, where adults reflect on their lives and achieve a sense of satisfaction or face despair based on their perceived successes or failures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first developmental task of later adulthood in Robert (Erik) Erikson's theory is integrity versus despair. In this stage, individuals reflect on their life experiences, which can lead to a deepening sense of accomplishment and fulfillment or feelings of regret and unfulfilled dreams.
Achieving ego integrity is the successful resolution of this stage, where one can look back on their life with a sense of satisfaction, while failing to achieve this leads to despair. According to Erikson, older adults who successfully navigate this task derive a feeling of completeness and wisdom by accepting their life course, successes, and failures. Conversely, those unable to come to terms with their past experiences may suffer from despair and a sense that their life has lacked meaning.