The elderly population is growing rapidly due to increased longevity and the large Baby Boomer generation reaching retirement age. By 2050, over 20% of the US population will be aged 65 or older. In Erikson's final developmental stage of integrity vs despair, elderly individuals reflect on their lives and accomplishments, and can feel integrity and completeness or despair depending on their level of satisfaction. As people age, they are more likely to experience disabilities like vision or hearing loss that impact daily living. The elderly population can be divided into young-elderly from 60-75 who are often still working, and old-elderly over 75 who face greater isolation and disability. While disability is common in late life, the elderly generally adjust well

1. DIS 110 Lifespan Module Six Mini-Lecture
Elderly

2. Longevity Revolution
Silver Tsunami - Baby Boom generation is reaching retirement age. Boomers have had the
most financial success BUT the lowest retirement savings of any prior generation. Boomers
are expected to have higher rates of disability than their parents did at the same age.
The overall elderly population will continue to increase. By 2050, more than one in five
people will be age 65+. Millenials will be in that 2050 group!
0
5
10
15
20
25
2012 2050
% of U.S. Population 65+

3. Erikson Developmental Stage:
Integrity vs. Despair
During this stage a person reflects on one’s life and the certainty
of death. If the person is happy with how their lives have turned
out they will develop integrity. If they are disappointed with their
lives and have regret then they can feel despair. It is a
culmination of all previous life stages. It is a stage of reflection
and self-evaluation.
Integrity = completeness, wholeness. Culmination of all
preceding stages. As the person matures, he/she becomes more
individuated … more himself or herself.

4. Increased lifespan = increased likelihood
of disability (aging in itself can cause
disabilty … e.g. cateracts, hearing loss,
mobility impairments, cognitive declines)
Developmental Tasks
• Responding to physical declines
• Planning for retirement
• Maintaining productivity
• Responding to changing roles, such as
widowhood
• Making meaning of one’s life

5. Young Elderly and Old Elderly
Young Elderly (Ages 60 to 75)
- More people in this category are extending their employment years (rather than
retirement) and caring for very elderly parents.
Old Elderly (Age 75+ til death)
- Increased numbers in this category. Facing death of spouses and friends, greater
isolation, increased physical and cognitive disability.

6. Disability in Late Life
Research has shown a more positive adjustment than any other life stage.
Greater acceptance is likely due to one or more of the following factors:
• Disability is common among elderly people.
• Elderly people have fewer role demands such as careers or child care.
• Elderly people have amassed more years of successful problem-solving
and decision-making.
The exception? Assistive technology is less likely to be accepted at this life
stage. The transition to adapting to new technology is challenging.

7. Individual Differences in Aging
Chronological / Biological Age is not the most salient way in which people
attach meaning to their stage of life.
Neugarten (1986): Everyone ages differently. Take into account their past
experiences, the time of history when they lived, their personal and familial
situations and the opportunities available to them.
Atchley (2003) – Indicators of Aging
• Psychological Aging – the individual’s personality assets and coping skills
• Social Psychological Aging – the individual’s interaction with the
environment, including values, beliefs and social roles.
• Social Aging – the interaction between the individual and his/her society.

8. Cognitive Decline and Dementia
Retrospective memories recall past events.
Prospective memories recall events planned for the future.
Normal aging can involve moderate declines of speed and function of working
memory. Word retrieval can also become more difficult with age. However, numerous
studies support brain fluidity and learning in advanced ages.
Dementia – Not normal aging. Impairment of functioning is key to diagnosis. Some
dementias are reversale (such as some of the effects of alcohol, drugs or brain
injuries.)
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most prevalent dementia and is currently
irreversible and incurable. Incidence grows with age. Approximately 10%
of individuals 65+ have AD but over 40% of those over 85 have it.