Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 65+ | Psychology

Preview (3 of 7 Pages)

100%

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 65+ - Page 1 preview image

Loading page ...

Study GuideDevelopmental Psychology–PsychosocialDevelopment: Age 65+1. Relationships: Age 65+Because people are living longer than ever before, relationships in older adulthood can last muchlonger than in past generations. In fact, nearly1 in 10 adults over age 65has a child who is alsoconsidered an older adult. These long-lasting family connections can be deeply rewarding, but theycan also bring new challenges.Older adults often enjoy calmer, more peaceful family relationships than they did earlier in life. At thesame time, younger family members may feel stressed as they help care for aging parents orgrandparents. Even with these challenges, most younger adults report havingpositive andsatisfying relationshipswith their older relatives.1.1Marriage and Family LifeMarriages in later life are sometimes calledretirement marriages. These relationships often sharesimilar patterns:•The average wife is about68, and the average husband is71•Couples have typically been married forover 40 years•Marital satisfaction is usuallyhigh•Most couples havethree adult children, with the oldest around age 40•About20% of husbandsand4% of wivesstill work, even though they consider themselvesretired•Household income is usuallylowerthan in earlier adulthood1. 2 WidowhoodOne of the most painful experiences in late adulthood iswidowhood, or losing a spouse to death.•About3% of menand12% of womenin the U.S. are widowed•Among adults75 and older, about25% of menand66% of womenare widowed

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 65+ - Page 2 preview image

Loading page ...

Study GuideWidows and widowers often report that finding a new partner is difficult. This is especially true forwomen, who may face social stereotypes that portray older adults as asexual. Because women tendto live longer than men, widows greatly outnumber widowersin retirement communities, assistedliving centers, and nursing homes.1.3 Sexuality in Late AdulthoodSexuality in older adulthood is often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, there isno sudden ordramatic dropin sexual activity after middle age.Thebest predictorof sexual activity in later life is sexual activity earlier in life. In other words, peoplewho were sexually active when younger are more likely to remain sexually active as they age.The biggest challenge older adults face isfinding a partner, not losing interest in sex. This isespecially difficult for older women, who outlive men and face social disapproval if they seek youngerpartners. As a result, many older women are left with few options for sexual relationships.Aging does not mean giving up enjoyable activities—it just means adjusting how they areapproached. Just as older adults may jog instead of sprint or use a golf cart instead of walking, sexmay become slower and more thoughtful. Patience and understandingoften replace speed andintensity, without reducing enjoyment.Despite this reality, society still holds negative views about sexuality in older adulthood. ResearcherEdward Brechersuggested that open discussions about later-life sexuality could help youngerpeople understand that intimacy and pleasure remain important throughout life.1.4 Relationships with Adult ChildrenAbout80–90% of older Americanshave grown children and stay in regular contact with them. Whileolder adults value these relationships, mostdo not want to live with their children. Instead, theyprefer to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.Only about5% of adults over age 65live in institutions at any given time. The remaining95%livealone or with a spouse, relative, or nonrelative. However, older adults are more likely than any otherage group to live in an institution at some point later in life. When they do, over75% live within anhour’s drive of one of their children.Most older adults describe their relationships with their adult children as positive. These positiveexperiences are often linked to good health, shared interests (like hobbies or church), and similarvalues. However, frequent contact is not always viewedpositively when it results from illness or familycrises.

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 65+ - Page 3 preview image

Loading page ...

Study Guide1.5 Elderly AbuseOne serious concern in late adulthood iselderly abuse, which includes neglect as well as physicaland emotional harm. About5% of older adultsin the U.S. experience abuse each year.•Neglectmay involve withholding food, medication, or basic care•Physical abuseincludes hitting, shoving, or kicking•Emotional abuseincludes insults, threats, or verbal harassmentElderly abuse most often occurs in private homes, usually involving spouses, children, orgrandchildren. Older adults who are in poor health and live with others are at thehighest risk. Thosewho live alone are at much lower risk.Both victims and abusers need treatment, but the top priority is alwaysprotecting the older adult.Many professionals, such as psychologists, are legally required to report suspected abuse.1.6Relationships with GrandchildrenPeople typically become grandparents in their early 50s, so grandparenting is not limited to olderadulthood. However, older adults often havemore free timeto spend with grandchildren than middle-aged adults.Most grandparents report warm, loving relationships with their grandchildren. These relationshipsbenefit both generations:•Grandchildren learn about family history and the past•Older adults find purpose, connection, and meaning•Grandparenting helps reduce isolation and dependence•It supports continued emotional and personality development in later life

Preview Mode

This document has 7 pages. Sign in to access the full document!

Report

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 65+

Study Now!

Document Details

Related Documents

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 45–65

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 17–45

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 7–11

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 2–6

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 0–2

Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 12–19

Developmental Psychology - Physical, Cognitive Development Age 12+

Developmental Psychology - Physical, Cognitive Development Age 7–11

Developmental Psychology - Physical, Cognitive Development Age 2–6

Developmental Psychology - Physical, Cognitive Development Age 0–2

Company

Explore

Study Tools