This stage of Erikson's theory deals with older adults facing integrity versus despair. Those facing integrity come to terms with their life and legacy, while despair can involve dwelling on past failures. Too much integrity leads to presumption, denying challenges of aging, while too much despair leads to disdain and depression. The ideal is a balance and wisdom, understanding one's choices and accepting life's outcomes and death. While not yet elders, we too will face this stage, and can hope to develop wisdom rather than disdain or presumption.

1. Stage 8 of Erikson's Psychosocial Crisis Theory By: Cheryl Rosario, Eshaine Rossi & Keilly Guerrero Fighting the battle between Integrity & Despair pertains to men and women ages 50 and up. This is a critical stage for one's outlook on their elderly life. They are swallowing the reality that their life is coming to an end. One can take this reality and have a morbid perspective or turn it into a positive one.

2. Ego Integrity - means coming to terms with your life therefore coming to terms with end of life . Despair- when older people become preoccupied with past expieriences.

3. Malignancy vs. Maladaptation Malignancy - "too much despair" the malignant tendency is called "disdain" . This person is preoccupied with past falures & mistakes. Usually losing interest in life, and act as if they don't care for thier life anymore. The person will become depressed, Can cause some to become spiteful and paranoid. Maladaptation - "too much Ego integrity" the maladaptive tendency is called "presumption" . This person will presume that life is great not acknowledging the difficulties of old age. This person will often try to act young to avoid facing the reality of being elderly. avoid difficulties that come with old age.

4. A good balance of maladapation and malignancy equals a great value of wisdom When an individual is somewhat " gifted " to be truly wise, is having a great understanding on why you did the things you did and accepting the outcome. Having a positive outlook in life, and also accepting death when slowly approaches

5. Although we are not elders yet, we will in fact one day go through the battle between integrity vs. despair. We cannot yet say exactly what attitude we will adapt. All we can do is hope for proper wisdom. And do our best not to develop presumptuous and disdainful outlooks on life. Unlike many elders we know, we should come to terms with our life, past regrets-mistakes and all!