socioemtional development in late adulthood Flashcards
stereotypes of older adults
belief that they are lonely; lack close friends and family; have a higher rate of mood disorders; and are rigid, unable to cope with age-related declines, one-dimensional, dependent, and cognitively impaired
self-concepts
multifaceted, complex and stable
-most maintain a positive view
-categorize
subjective age
most feel younger
-avoid self being “old”
-related to well-being
-crystallized intelligence stays good
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life review
reflecting on past experiences and contemplating the meaning of those experiences and their role in shaping one’s life
-integral to develp a sense of ego integrity vs despair
ego integrity vs despair
the last stage in Erikson’s (1959) psychosocial theory, in which older adults find a sense of coherence in life experiences and ultimately conclude that that their lives are meaningful and valuable
-relies on cognitive development and social factors
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personality
remains stable
-might mellow out
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sexuality
older people maintain sexual interest and remain sexually capable and active
-declines with age but sexual satisfaction often remains unchanged
-correlate of health
friendships
-become more important and fulfilling
-become more centered on activities
-as older report more friends of different ages
-helps health
marriage, divorce, cohabitation
-marital satisfaction tends to increase
-report divorce because poor communication, emotional detachment etc
-may have more difficulties adjusting to divorce
-cohabitation is common
-enter as an alternate to marriage
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relationships with children and grand children
-increase opportunities for emotional support
-remains strong even though contact may decrease
disengagement theory
-incorrect
- older adults are thought to disengage from society, relinquishing valued social roles and reducing interaction, as they anticipate death
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activity theory
continuity theory
successful aging entails not simply remaining active but maintaining a sense of consistency in self across one’s past into the future
- people are motivated to maintain their habits, personalities, and lifestyles, adapting as needed to maintain a sense of continuity, that they are the same person they have always been
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socioemotional selectivity theory
the functions of social interactions change with age
-As perceived time left diminishes, people tend to discard peripheral relationships and focus on important ones, such as those with close family members and friends
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neighborhoods
-influence adaptation through provision of physical and social resources
-suburban tend to be happiest, but walk less
-urban have better access
-rural interact with neighbors more