#lateadulthood

Echoes of Integrity: Finding Peace in a Life Well-lived

"Embracing the lessons of the past, discovering meaning in every chapter."

Stage Eight: Integrity vs. Despair

Rebecca, a 70-year-old woman, is now in Erik Erikson’s stage of Integrity vs. Despair, a period of life where individuals reflect on their past and seek meaning in the lives they have lived. Known for her deep love of going to church and her generosity toward her family and friends, Rebecca approaches late adulthood with a sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Her strong faith, giving nature, and lasting relationships highlight the integrity she has built over the years, showing that she continues to find purpose and peace in the connections and contributions that have shaped her life.

Rebecca experiences natural changes associated with late adulthood. Her body feels weaker, and she becomes tired more easily. She faces health conditions such as high blood pressure and elevated creatinine, which affects her mobility, energy, and overall well-being. Regular checkups, medication, and a supportive environment become important parts of her routine. Despite these challenges, she continues to remain active in ways that bring her joy, such as attending church and spending time with loved ones. 

Cognitively, Rebecca notices a slower processing speed or occasional forgetfulness, which are normal parts of aging. However, she also benefits from the wisdom that comes from decades of life experience. She has strong judgment, emotional understanding, and the ability to reflect deeply on her life. Her time in church, prayer, and meaningful conversations with family and friends help keep her mind active and connected.

Socioemotionally, Rebecca is in a phase where reflection and connection are central. She finds comfort in her faith community and joy in giving to her family and friends. Her relationships bring her a sense of belonging and purpose. This generosity and the love she shares reflect a deep sense of integrity, as she looks back on her life with gratitude and fulfillment. She values peace, closeness, and acceptance.

               Dementia is usually responsible for mental problems seen in the elderly. Nevertheless, these diseases occur in only around 15% of people over 65 years of age. In the United States, the leading cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, a progressive, inevitably fatal disease that starts with confusion and memory lapses and ends with the loss of self-care capacity. During the stage of integrity and despair, people are reflecting back on the life they have experienced and either come away with a sense of fulfillment from a well-lived life or a sense of regret and frustration over an existence that has been wasted.

               Someone in my class asked me, “Who do you prefer to die first, you or your husband?” I said, I would like to die first. I hate the idea that I will be left alone, maybe not completely alone but I hate that someone left a whole in my heart and I don’t know if I can cope up. But, someone answered that question and said, “I would let my husband go first, by that time I already have my grandchildren and they will become the center of my life and not him, so maybe I can stay for a little while and spend time with them.” I will remember this for the rest of my life. She’s right, my future grandchildren can become my lifeline for quite some time after my husband’s death (If ever I get married and have kids, of course).