1. Discuss the characteristics of late adulthood. To what extent can this stage of life be considered paradoxical, in that the closer we are to death, the more fulfilled we seem to become?

Key Points:

• The response should reflect on the fact that late adulthood is perhaps the most difficult period of all to define precisely – mainly because there is very wide individual variation in the physical, cognitive and social processes of aging.
• Consideration should also be given to physical development, cognitive development (including the challenging issue of whether intellectual capacity does in fact decrease with age), social and emotional developments (including relations with others) and the factors which impact upon successful aging.
• In responding to the second part of the question, the student should consider the theorizing of Erikson and Levinson.
• The student should consider the further social roles – such as grand-parenting or great-grandparenting – that are enjoyed by many older people; sibling relationships, and the many positive benefits of friendships, personal relationships and social networks.