Life Project

456 Chapter 9

PHYSICALDEWLOPMENT IN LATE ADUT]THOOD

COGNITIW DEWLOPMENT IN LATE ADULTHOOD

. Though both are chronologi- cally among the "oldest old," Peter and Ella are //young

old" in their functional ages. @.412)

r Both defy ageist stereotypes in their health and attitudes.

@p. a12a15) o Both appear to have avoided

Alzheimer's and most of the other physical and psycho- logical disorders associated with old age. (pp. 420127)

o Peter and Ella have made healthy Iifestyle choices- exercising, eating right, and avoiding bad habits.

@p. a27a22)

o Both Peter and Ella are apparently rich in crystal- lized intelligence-their store of information, skills, and strategies.

@.a2e) . They demonstrate

plasticity by using stimulation, practice, and motivation to maintain their mental abilities. (pp. a29-a30)

. Both may have slight memory problems, such as a decline in episodic or autobiographical memory. (pp. a30-a31)

'-a\

S O CI AL AND PER S ONALI?IY DEVELOPMENT IN LATE ADULTHOOD

. Peter and Ella are navigating Erikson's ego-integrity-versus-despair stage, but they seem to have chosen different an- slvers to Peck's developmental task of redefinition of self versus preoccupation with work role. (p. 435)

. The two appear to be coping with aging differently, according to Neugarten's personality categories. (pp. a36a37)

. Both seem to harre acquired wisdom with age, knowing who they are and how to deal with others. (p. a39)

. In avoiding competitive games and book discussion groups, Peter might be engag- ing in compensation for slowed reaction time or less-than-perfect recall. @. a16)

. Both siblings have chosen to establish themselves tclgether in a new home. (p. aa3)

r Neither Peter nor Ella seems to have gone through the classic retirement stages. (pp.aa6-aa7)

MODULE

9.3

MODULE

9.2