Chapter 16: Socioemotional Development in Late Adulthood

Question 1

Erikson’s integrity vs. despair

Answer 1

Erikson’s 8th and final stage of development, which individuals experience in late adulthood. This involves reflecting on the past and either piecing together a positive review or concluding that one’s life has not been well spent

Question 2

activity theory

Answer 2

theory that the more active and involved older adults are, the more likely they are to be satisfied with their lives

Question 3

socioemotional selectivity theory

Answer 3

the theory that older adults become more selective about their social networks. Because they place a high value on emotional satisfaction, older adults often prefer to spend time with familiar individuals with whom they have had rewarding relationships

Question 4

selective optimization with compensation theory

Answer 4

the theory that successful aging is related to three main factors: selection, optimization, and compensation

Question 5

selection

Answer 5

older adults have a reduced capacity and loss of functioning, which require a reduction in performance in most life domains

Question 6

optimization

Answer 6

it is possible to maintain performance in some areas through continued practice and the use of new technologies

Question 7

compensation

Answer 7

older adults need to compensate when life tasks require a higher level of capacity

Question 8

ageism

Answer 8

prejudice against other people because of their age, especially prejudice against older adults

Question 9

eldercare

Answer 9

physical and emotional caretaking for older members of the family; whether by giving day-to-day physical assistance or by overseeing such care