Emotional and Social Development in Late Adulthood

Erickson's Theory: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of life. It involves coming to terms with one's life. As we become older there are many changes that we have to adjust too. They are intellectual changes, learning, and memory. How does this effect us as we grow older. There are two types of intellectual changes found that fluid intelligence declines with age, but crystallized intelligence increases. ( Hutchinson,2008 )Fluid intelligence involves the ability to respond quickly, to memorize quickly, to compute quickly with no error, and to draw rapid inferences from visual relationships ( Hutchinson, 2008 ). Crystallized intelligence is based on accumulated learning and includes the ability to reflect and recognize rather than to recall and remember( Hutchinson, 2008). Let's focus on the difference between the two intelligences in late adulthood. As I Analyze fluid intelligence it amazes me to think that I can possibly retain this type of memory. This type of memory will give back years of life as a individual age in late adulthood. Studies shows that detention and recall are dependent on individual memory performance. A person with Alzheimer's will not have a brain that function in this capacity. I can recall individuals that I have known that had Alzheimer's were not able to recall or even know their family. However, one that does not have Alzheimer's will be able to meet these abilities. Crystallized memory had it share of criticism, I do believe that it is the way that most elderly individuals memory develop as they grow older. Living around those in late adulthood has shown me that they can learn and have the ability to reflect on their pass and future life. I have witness how they can enlighten you about things that happen in the late sixty when gas was not as high as it is now. My grandparents were very sharp thinkers. My grandmother was in her right mind until the day she pass. Unfortunately, my grandfather was stricken with Alzheimer. My grandparents and other elders are better emotionally. They know how to respond and cope with situations better than younger people. That's when the old saying comes in "the older you get the wiser you become" Younger people tend to react more impulsively in their problem solving, while elders are better at emotional self -regulation. I must admit, as a child I would never play with my peers ; I always cling to older people. They have given me wisdom and knowledge that have blessed my life. As time goes on, we all may arrive at the stage in our life, I discovered that successful aging occurs when elders have developed many ways to minimize losses and maximize gains. They are things such as, well- funded social security plans, good health care, safe housing that adjust to changes in elders needs, social services, opportunities for lifelong learning. As I end, I would like to thank you for your time and comments.