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Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 65+

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    Study Guide Developmental Psychology – Psychosocial Development: Age 65+ 1. Relationships: Age 65+ Because people are living longer than ever before, relationships in older adulthood can last much longer than in past generations. In fact, nearly 1 in 10 adults over age 65 has a child who is also considered an older adult. These long - lasting family connections can be deeply rewarding, but they can also bring new challenges. Older adults often enjoy calmer, more peaceful family relationships than they did earlier in life. At the same time, younger family members may feel stressed as they help care for aging parents or grandparents. Even with these challenges, most younger adul ts report having positive and satisfying relationships with their older relatives. 1.1 Marriage and Family Life Marriages in later life are sometimes called retirement marriages . These relationships often share similar patterns: • The average wife is about 68 , and the average husband is 71 • Couples have typically been married for over 40 years • Marital satisfaction is usually high • Most couples have three adult children , with the oldest around age 40 • About 20% of husbands and 4% of wives still work, even though they consider themselves retired • Household income is usually lower than in earlier adulthood 1. 2 Widowhood One of the most painful experiences in late adulthood is widowhood , or losing a spouse to death. • About 3% of men and 12% of women in the U.S. are widowed • Among adults 75 and older , about 25% of men and 66% of women are widowed

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    Study Guide Widows and widowers often report that finding a new partner is difficult. This is especially true for women, who may face social stereotypes that portray older adults as asexual. Because women tend to live longer than men, widows greatly outnumber widowers in retirement communities, assisted living centers, and nursing homes. 1.3 Sexuality in Late Adulthood Sexuality in older adulthood is often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, there is no sudden or dramatic drop in sexual activity after middle age. The best predictor of sexual activity in later life is sexual activity earlier in life. In other words, people who were sexually active when younger are more likely to remain sexually active as they age. The biggest challenge older adults face is finding a partner , not losing interest in sex. This is especially difficult for older women, who outlive men and face social disapproval if they seek younger partners. 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 are approached. Just as older adults may jog instead of sprint or use a golf cart instead of walking, sex may become slower and more thoughtful. Patience and understanding often replace speed and intensity, without reducing enjoyment. Despite this reality, society still holds negative views about sexuality in older adulthood. Researcher Edward Brecher suggested that open discussions about later - life sexuality could help younger people understand that intimacy and pleasure remain important throughout life. 1.4 Relationships with Adult Children About 80 – 90% of older Americans have grown children and stay in regular contact with them. While older adults value these relationships, most do not want to live with their children . Instead, they prefer to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Only about 5% of adults over age 65 live in institutions at any given time. The remaining 95% live alone or with a spouse, relative, or nonrelative. However, older adults are more likely than any other age group to live in an institution at some point later in life. When they do, over 75% live within an hour’s drive of one of their children . Most older adults describe their relationships with their adult children as positive. These positive experiences are often linked to good health, shared interests (like hobbies or church), and similar values. However, frequent contact is not always viewed positively when it results from illness or family crises.

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    Study Guide 1.5 Elderly Abuse One serious concern in late adulthood is elderly abuse , which includes neglect as well as physical and emotional harm. About 5% of older adults in the U.S. experience abuse each year. • Neglect may involve withholding food, medication, or basic care • Physical abuse includes hitting, shoving, or kicking • Emotional abuse includes insults, threats, or verbal harassment Elderly abuse most often occurs in private homes, usually involving spouses, children, or grandchildren. Older adults who are in poor health and live with others are at the highest risk . Those who live alone are at much lower risk. Both victims and abusers need treatment, but the top priority is always protecting the older adult . Many professionals, such as psychologists, are legally required to report suspected abuse. 1.6 Relationships with Grandchildren People typically become grandparents in their early 50s, so grandparenting is not limited to older adulthood. However, older adults often have more free time to spend with grandchildren than middle - aged adults. Most grandparents report warm, loving relationships with their grandchildren. These relationships benefit 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

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