Late adulthood is one of the diverse stages in life where those who accomplished their goals look back and feel a sense of fulfillment, while those who failed to achieve their objectives in life experience regret and depression. Therefore, I think that people who earn their life goals are likely to stay active in their late adulthood and feel the need to associate with others as they share their success stories. Additionally, maintaining active social activities during late adulthood gives people hope for more life and more reasons to live. On the contrary, those filled with regret are likely to withdraw from society and spend their time alone, feeling ashamed for being unable to meet their expectations. Such people are likely to suffer from various psychological disorders due to stress. As a result, they develop a negative perception of life and anticipate adverse outcomes in most cases.
Late adulthood diversity can be attributed to Erik Erikson’s theory of integrity and despair. Late adulthood allows people to reflect on their lives with integrity or despair. Those who have integrity develop wisdom that enables them to be optimistic about life, even in the face of death (Maree, 2021). Such people are likely to explore new opportunities for peace and satisfaction. However, Erikson states that those who experience despair at this stage are likely to see life as a wasted opportunity, developing a sense of worthlessness and hopelessness. They lack wisdom and spend most of their time thinking about death. That is why some are actively engaged in meaningful matters in society; others are depressed and disillusioned.
I want to stay active during my late adulthood stage. Being closely engaged in matters of society will enable me to offer guidance to the young generation. My plan for achieving my goals involves maintaining close ties with my family, being optimistic in all situations, and taking risks by exploring new opportunities. These steps will enable me to develop fulfillment in life and make good use of opportunities in life to avoid regretting in late adulthood.
Reference
Maree, J. G. (2021). The psychosocial development theory of Erik Erikson: Critical overview. Early Child Development and Care, 191(7-8), 1107-1121.
An interesting aspect worthy of consideration within the theory of early adulthood is the sexual activity of young adults in the States. Quite mass surveys are conducted in the country regarding this aspect of life, however, tests of a smaller scale are also relevant. Worthy of attention is the fact that sexual practices in the West, despite the diversity, are not ubiquitous, despite the sexualization of images in the mass media. Growing up in adolescence is accompanied, however, by promiscuous relationships or casual relationships without commitment, especially during the college years.
Media also influences a person’s perception of a partner. Social networks, often used by young people for dating, lead to the rapid development of relationships, but also rush their completion. The situation is that people, during a short time of intensive online communication, can imagine exaggerated, idealized versions of their desired partners, which leads to frustration (Berk, 2018). At a young age, couples tend not to commit to marriage, but rather to co-exist in romantic relationships to test the value of the relationship to each other. Manifestations of sexuality are thus tools of social integration and recognition of one’s personality in the process of becoming an adult.
Important for discussing changes in human behavior and consciousness at the onset of early adulthood is the transformation of the vector of cognitive development. Psychologist William Perry points to the formation of epistemic consciousness, which is more inquisitive and reflective (Berk, 2018). The very logic of the episteme implies the awareness of how established concepts and beliefs are born in a person, which affects the conclusions and decision-making. In particular, this type of thinking is formed by university education. It is proved that after four years of study, students usually change their social roles and at the same time change their ideas about the nature of knowledge. Epistemic consciousness can be divided into two stages of thinking – dualistic and relativistic. The former is more like a strict logic of binary oppositions, while the latter rejects absolute truth in the ongoing search for knowledge. Thus, thinking gradually becomes more flexible and self-evaluating in the process of forming a new type of consciousness in early adulthood.
Work Cited
Berk, Laura A. Exploring lifespan development. Pearson, 2018.
Early adults face numerous emerging physical changes that may affect their developmental outcomes. Some of the changes include the use of alcohol and the increased potential of contracting sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Many young people have engaged themselves in harmful underage drinking, which has become a significant public health problem. Moreover, research has proved that sexually transmitted infections and diseases such as chlamydia and syphilis are on the rise because many young adults have multiple sexual partners and fail to use protection during sexual activities (Quigley et al., 2019). The challenges of alcohol and sexually transmitted infections and diseases are detrimental as they hinder normal physical development and, therefore, must be addressed.
Alcohol has long-term effects on young people’s development since their bodies are still growing. It may interfere with the normal development of vital body organs such as the liver, bones, and brain. Alcohol can increase blood pressure to higher levels, resulting in a stroke or heart attack. Additionally, heart muscles may be weakened, thus straining the liver and lungs, among other body systems leading to more health problems such as gastritis, liver cancer, infertility, and kidney diseases. Apart from the physical developmental problems, alcohol is associated with major mental health problems. These include personality disorders, risky behaviors, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and attempts. Furthermore, damage to the brain may result in problems with verbal skills, the inability to learn, and memory problems. Drinking too much affects an individual’s behavior and the potential to form lasting relationships and friendships since it limits their presence and commitment.
The main factors contributing to drinking among early adults include inconsistencies in law enforcement against underage drinking and the widespread availability of alcohol. Urgent measures are required to address this prevalent and costly problem to save more lives. Awareness education programs, among other interventions, can target individual students at a higher risk of engaging in alcohol consumption (Quigley et al., 2019). Efforts by the government, parents, and community members would significantly assist in addressing the issue. Counseling services can be provided for young people, and stronger policies to guide the consumption of alcohol can be developed.
The issue of sexually transmitted diseases and infections has become a major health and economic burden today. These infections and diseases are mostly undiagnosed and result in costly and irreversible medical conditions. Young women are more prone to getting infected and may be required to take extra precautionary measures (Sieving et al., 2019). Long-term untreated infections can cause pelvic inflammations, vaginitis, pregnancy complications, infertility, and different types of cancer. Extreme cases may affect a person’s behaviors and association with other people due to the feeling of inadequacy. It is important to seek information and treatment of various infections and diseases early for these reasons.
Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are largely preventable, especially due to the presence of vaccines. However, many individuals fail to seek treatment due to fear of stigma due to the conservative culture centered on sexual-related issues (Sieving et al., 2019). Sex is a part of many young adults’ lives, and the only way forward is to develop high-quality sex education for them to make informed and responsible decisions. In addition, there is a need to increase access to medical care and safeguard confidential information about various patients. Continuous testing and treatment should be encouraged among young people to help manage the issue. Conclusively, both individual and external efforts are vital in attempting to provide solutions to the problems of alcohol abuse and sexually transmitted diseases.
References
Quigley, J., Ryan, S., Deepa, C., Patrick, S., Plumb, J., & Harding, L. (2019). Alcohol Use by Youth.Pediatrics. 144(1), 3-16.
Handling Sexuality in Institutions with Adults Who Have Dementia
Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder that people in their old age commonly experience. This disorder causes variation in the sex drive behaviors of an individual. People tend to have different expressions towards intimacy and sexual life. Thus, sexual activities and sexual interests vary differently during late adulthood for different people. However, institutions need to find appropriate ways and means to handle sexuality, particularly in adults with dementia. Institutional caregivers should manage dementia in adults through psychotropic medications, explore different ways of showing affection and focus on other ways these adults can spend time together.
Institutions need to explore new ways adults with dementia can spend time together. According to D’cruz, Andrade, and Rao (2020), patients in long-term residential facilities are prone to sexual abuse without autonomy. For this reason, institutions need to initiate activities that deviate the sexual urges of an individual into something else. These activities could include participation in organized social events such as hiking and planting trees. This strategy help adults with dementia to become less sexually prone to sexual abuse and activeness. Caregiver institutions should also create separate rooms where adults can comfortably satisfy their conjugal desires (D’cruz, Andrade, & Rao, 2020). Initiation of this alternative will help adults with dementia to control their intimate behaviors.
Institutions should handle sexuality in adults with dementia by developing strategies focusing on other ways of showing affection. Adults with dementia express intimate feelings and sexual desires differently than others can term abnormal (Lindau et al., 2018). Thus, institutional caregivers should focus on showing patients other ways of expressing affection, such as holding hands and snuggling (Winnie, 2016). This approach is significant in controlling the behavioral aspect of hypersexuality experienced by patients with dementia (D’cruz, Andrade, & Rao, 2020). Furthermore, institutions should educate victims of dementia on other nonsexual forms of touching, such as massaging, dancing, and hugging. This strategy helps patients to show affection not only in sexual intimacy but in other non-stimulating activities.
Further, institutions should intensify psychotropic medications to control sexuality in adults with dementia. Pharmacological management and medication are attempted if nonpharmacological strategies fail (D’cruz, Andrade, & Rao, 2020). Psychotropic medication includes antidepressants that reduce individuals’ sexual activities by causing sexual dysfunction and decreasing cognitive arousal levels (D’cruz, Andrade, & Rao, 2020). This medication not only controls sexuality behaviors of people with dementia in residential care, but it can help them outside these institutions. Medication is a cheaper remedy that healthcare institutions need to disseminate because family members can easily manage their patients via dosage given than other activities such as massage.
Communication of Sex Education of Late Adulthood across Generations
I agree with many people that sex education in late adulthood must be communicated across generations. Sex education is a crucial subject that needs to be taught to create awareness of the common problems that face society and the healthcare sector. Whereas some people become sexually active and driven by sexual desires, others lose interest in sexual and intimate matters in late adulthood (Sanchez, 2014). Creating awareness through sex education will help to control cases of sexuality problems for dementia in late adulthood. Fleishman (2006) states that sex education communication across generations helps families to protect adults with dementia in late adulthood to lead dignified sexual lives. Partners will understand each other and their sexual behaviors during the late ages of marriage and reduce instances of sexual abuse (Elisabeth, Alexis, & Christina, 2017). Overall, sex education should be enhanced and promoted across families to resolve the problem of sexuality, especially for people with dementia in late adulthood.
Generally, institutions need to explore new ways adults with dementia can spend time together, focus on different ways of showing affection and enhance psychotropic medications to handle sexuality problems in late adulthood. Exploring new ways of spending time together could include involvement in charitable activities that deviate the brain from sexual desires. Adults at late ages can also show affection through dancing while psychotropic medication such as antidepressants reduces cognitive arousal levels. Sex education should be taught across generations to create awareness of the sexual behaviors that come in late adulthood, especially for patients with dementia.
References
D’cruz, M., Andrade, C., & Rao, T. S. (2020). The expression of intimacy and sexuality in persons with dementia. Journal of Psychosexual Health, 2(3-4), 215-223.
Fleishman, J. (2006). Is it ok for grandma to have sex? Lessons from an aging sexuality educator [Video file]. YouTube. Web.
Lindau, S. T., Dale, W., Feldmeth, G., Gavrilova, N., Langa, K. M., Makelarski, J. A., & Wroblewski, K. (2018). Sexuality and cognitive status: A US nationally representative study of home‐dwelling older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 66(10), 1902-1910.
The views on what adulthood is and when it starts were never set in stone. Throughout the world, depending on the culture and time period, adulthood was perceived differently. In ancient and medieval times, children considered adults upon reaching 12 years of age. They were deemed capable of aiding their family on the fields and participating in hunts against dangerous animals. This was understandable since back then, the average life expectancy for the majority of the populace was around 40 years (Woodbury, 2014). Many things changed since then. With the advances in technology and medicine, life expectancy in most countries is way over 60 years. There were massive changes in many important aspects of our lives, from the foundations of our societies to gender roles. The concept of emerging adulthood is a relatively new one, but it reflects the current beliefs and opinions of many young men and women. The term represents a clash between the classical views regarding adulthood and the objective realities of the young adult population in many different countries around the world.
Emerging adulthood could be best described as a period of time dedicated to self-discovery. It typically starts from 18-20 years of age and follows all the way into the thirties. During this time period, the young adults are learning to be independent; they explore and experiment, trying to find themselves in studies, love, and work. It emphasizes personal growth, which is an important concept in a highly individualized western society (Arnett & Eisenberg, 2007). Due to globalization, the concept of individualism is spreading into eastern countries such as China and Japan. The eastern philosophies are emphasizing collectivism, and the seeds of individualism sown into it are causing a conflict between the younger westernized generation and the rest of the society.
In her study of the problems faced by single women in the Japanese society, Rosenberger (2007) concludes that “What emerging adulthood is, what adulthood is, and how the two to relate are moving targets in a constantly changing world” (95). By that, she meant that the concepts of adulthood and emerging adulthood would change with time. They would constantly be subjected to the opinions of people from different generations. As it often is with traditions and values, there would be some people promoting change and some who would desperately cling to the more familiar model.
I grew up in western society, which is rapidly outgrowing the old notions of what is perceived as adulthood. Despite that, the idea of spending a decade to discover oneself and grow as a person and as a professional is met with mild bemusement and reluctance. Those who do not marry before 30 are being mildly encouraged to “grow up” and start a family before it is too late. The idea of accountability and responsibility of a person is tied to the family institution. Having a family is supposed to serve as a testament to one’s integrity as an adult. I receive this feedback from time to time, from older family members or their friends. They are friendly about it. However, it shows that the stigma is still there, only in a much milder form.
In eastern societies, the conflict between the perceived notions of adulthood and emerging adulthood are more extreme. Their societies are based upon centuries-old traditions of familial rules and integrity, which is slow to adapt to the realities of a modern and globalized world. The government and the major companies are the ones dictating the morals of the Japanese society. Forming a stable family is considered one of the major staples of adulthood (Rosenberger, 2007). Being single for a long time is shunned in a Japan. This is especially true for women. The concept of emerging adulthood is new to the segregated Japanese society, and it is likely going to take some time before the notion becomes accepted as a norm.
In China, the situation is taking an interesting turn. The concept of emerging adulthood and self-discovery was introduced to the Chinese society not only through the increasingly competitive nature of its economy but also through government programs. In an effort to curb the country’s overpopulation, the government does not encourage young men and women to create families early, which leaves enough time for self-discovery through study and work. Views on maturity and adulthood differ between cities and the rural areas – the latter adhering to the old traditions (Nelson & Chen, 2007). It creates a clash similar to the one present in other countries. Still, the tendencies show that China is more likely to adopt the concept of emerging childhood than other eastern countries like Japan.
Returning to the Rosenberger’s quote about the relationship between the notions of adulthood and emerging adulthood, one has to remember that the notions of both would continue to remain fluid and unstable. The evolution of the public opinion is going to take place. Even the staunchest critics of the modern and childish lifestyle with no early marital commitments would still be considered incredibly liberal by the standards held two hundred years ago. The notion of emerging childhood is bound to become a norm, eventually. How soon it would happen depends on the historical, societal and economic factors unique to each country.
References
Arnett, J.J., & Eisenberg, N. (2007). Introduction to the Special Section: Emerging Adulthood Around the World. Society for Research in Child Development, 1(2), 66-67.
Nelson, L.J., & Chen, X. (2007). Emerging Adulthood in China: The Role of Social and Cultural Factors. Society for Research in Child Development, 1(2), 86-91.
Rosenberger, N. (2007). Rethinking Emerging Adulthood in Japan: Perspectives From Long-Term Single Women. Society for Research in Child Development, 1(2), 92-95.
There are various transitions that take place in adulthood. Any person with a cautious mind would admit that the transition into adulthood may be different in various aspects depending on cultural traditions and rites of passage ranging from adolescence to adulthood. In addition, the transition into adulthood is also a time for relationships and romance from a normative perspective. There are various rites of passage to adulthood on the basis of ethnic or cultural variations. Different cultures all over the world develop ceremonies and rituals to mark the transition from youth to adulthood. This includes the actual coming-of-age ceremonies that occurred when children reached puberty. Those with a secure attachment style are generally more trusting and responsive in their relationship with others. The main purpose of this essay is to focus on the transition into adulthood and all the activities that take place from ancient times to the current epoch as illustrated below.
Unique Rites of Passage to Adulthood on the Basis of Ethnic or Cultural Variations
In some cases, some indigenous groups consider the rite of passage to adulthood to high school graduations and baptism in the American ethnic and cultural variations. This is because it acts as a stepping stone between childhood and adulthood. Consequently, it is an achievement to move from one stage in life to another. For example, a child who is graduating from high school education or being baptized achieves a unique rite of passage on the basis of ethnic variation (Antoñanzas & Lorente, 2017). However, some groups consider the rite of passage into adulthood as a long process that believed in childhood with various lessons and physical tests. The child is expected to experience various physical tests before graduating to adulthood. For example, the actual coming-of-age ceremonies occurred when children reached puberty. For them, a changing body means changing responsibilities and this, therefore, means readiness for the adulthood process without any difficult experiences in life.
Different cultures all over the world develop ceremonies and rituals to mark the transition from youth to adulthood. For example, in the African context, initiation is a unique passage of rites from childhood to adulthood. The initiation process comprises circumcision which is a significant process that marks adulthood for a male adult. The unique rites of passage are ceremonies that mark an individual progression from one stage of life to another. Examples of lifecycle events include birth, puberty, and the transition to adulthood. The rites of passage and rituals are usually important for ethnic and cultural variations and spiritual reasons. Consequently, the unique rites of passage and rituals are examples of culture that influence the way people act and behave.
The Concepts of Pluralism and Assimilation and Their Effect on the Rites of Passage of Individuals
Assimilation is a process that formerly distinguishes and separates different ethnic groups that come to share a common culture and merge together socially. As a society undergoes assimilation, the differences that exist among groups tend to decrease. On the other hand, pluralism exists when groups maintain their individual identities based on various activities. The concept of pluralism and assimilation can affect the rites of passage in various ways. This concept helps to explain how the African child can move from childhood to adulthood without any difficulty. For example, adolescents are segregated from their community and taken in isolation. Apparently, the elders are responsible for training the youths and testing their intelligence through physical and mental strength. The males are circumcised and must undergo this without any fear because this will bring shame to the family. Once the youth undergoes the process successfully, they are brought into the society as heroes. However, each community has its own special way of celebrating with the family after graduating to adulthood. For example, the Maasai from Kenya celebrate the Eunoto ceremony which can take place for more than two weeks.
Different Attachment Styles
There are three main attachment styles in the current aspect of life. This includes secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles. The secure attachment style depends on the initial interaction between the child and the parent. These depend on the first bond between the child and the parent from the point of birth. For instance, those with a secure attachment style begin during birth and this is a strong bond between the parent and the child. Children have trusted their parents more since their childhood and feel secure whenever they interact with their parents (Antoñanzas & Lorente, 2017). This is the best way of expressing love to the child because the parent is always concerned with the child’s wellbeing. Those with a secure attachment style are generally more trusting and responsive in relationships. On the other hand, people with anxious attachment styles tend to put other people’s needs before their own. They are always anxious about the well-being of other people in their life. The avoidant attachment style tends to avoid the presence of some people wherever they are. In this case, they feel an awkward moment whenever they interact with different people in life.
The most Effective Attachment Style in Forming Lasting Relationships
I feel that the secure attachment style would be the most effective in the formation of a long-lasting relationship because this attachment style depends on the initial interaction between the child and the parent. More so, this will later depend on the first bond between the child and the parent from the point of birth and later lasts for consecutive years. For instance, those with a secure attachment style begin during birth and this entails a strong bond between the parent and the child which creates a long-lasting relationship. The child trusts the parent more since his childhood and feels secure whenever they interact with their parents and other people who have been close since childhood. This is a long-lasting relationship with a basis of secure attachment style by expressing love to the child because the parent is always concerned with the child’s wellbeing. Therefore, those with a secure attachment style are generally more trusting and responsive in a long-lasting relationship.
Different Types of Attraction
There are various types of attraction based on the level of interaction and understanding. This includes emotional attraction, romantic attraction, sexual attraction, physical attraction, and aesthetic attraction. For instance, attachment is part of emotional attraction because it creates a bond that is presented in a long-term relationship with parents, friends, and loved ones (Antoñanzas & Lorente, 2017). An intellectual is a type of emotional attraction that cannot be realized physically and connects people due to someone’s intelligence. As their words suggest, most people misinterpret attraction as purely romantic but this is not always the case. Attraction is admiring a person based on their physical appearance. Attraction is the connection between one person to another which creates a support network in whatever form it takes.
The Most Effective Type of Attraction in Establishing a Lasting Relationship
I feel that emotional attraction would be the most effective in establishing a lasting relationship. This is because emotional attraction is not physical in nature but provides a supporting network between the individuals. Alterous is a type of emotional attraction since it describes the closeness that a romantic attraction can bring about to the life of an individual. In most cases, this can be misinterpreted as a romantic attraction because in most cases it creates a long-lasting relationship. Attachment is part of the emotional attraction because it creates a bond that is presented in a long-term relationship with parents, friends, and loved ones. An intellectual is a type of emotional attraction that cannot be realized physically and connects people due to someone’s intelligence. Love is an emotional attraction which is a passionate feeling that connects people varying from person to person, relationship to relationship across different cultural practices (Antoñanzas & Lorente, 2017). Passion is another type of emotional attraction that cannot be sublimed at any given cost. Passion entails deep desire or intense emotion about someone. Protective is a type of emotional attraction that explains a connection with those who are in need of caregiving such as children and pets. Lastly, social attraction is an aspect of emotional attraction that explains those who are liked by the majority of the population. For instance, those who are attracted by many people are the most social in the population.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various rites of passage to adulthood on the basis of ethnic or cultural variations. This includes the actual coming-of-age ceremonies that occurred when children reached puberty. This is because it acts as a stepping stone between childhood and adulthood. Consequently, it is an achievement to move from one stage in life to another. For example, a child who is graduating from high school education or being baptized achieves a unique rite of passage on the basis of ethnic variation. An intellectual is a type of emotional attraction that cannot be realized physically and connects people due to someone’s intelligence. Therefore, emotional attraction would be the most effective in establishing a lasting relationship.
Reference
Antoñanzas, J. L., & Lorente, R. (2017). Study of learning strategies and cognitive capacities in hearing and non-hearing pupils. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 237, 1196-1200.
Psychopathology developments involve the study of abnormal behaviors in relation to their causes and processes that lead to their manifestations. There is therefore a high interaction in the psychopathology development in relation to sex, gender, and age.
Psychopathology differs across boys and girls in relation to the sex differences, where boys show externalizing disorder in a higher level as opposed to girls on internalizing disorder. Emotional maladjustment is higher in girls as compared to that of boys, while behavioral problems are higher in boys (Pathé, 2002).
Gender influences the responses portrayed by children in relation to their environmental experiences, which includes the disciplinary practices by the parents. Girls are known to be more submissive and in expressing emotional dependence, while boys portray physical aggression and a state of roughness.
Internalizing and externalizing disorders in girls is as a result of permissiveness and parent hostility respectively, opposite to that of the boys on parent hostility and permissiveness respectively. The interaction between age and psychopathology is well expressed as the anxiety disorder which is more numerous during childhood and also in early adolescence.
Depressive disorder starts at the late adolescence towards the stages of early adulthood. Thus, anxiety disorders are associated with younger age in all sexes up to around 14 years while mood disorders are high in 15 years and above. Anxiety disorders are higher than mood disorders until the age of 25 years after which the mood disorders cumulate.
References
Pathé, P. E. (2002). Stalking. Crime and Justice , 273-318.
How do childhood experiences affect adulthood? The essay on this page discusses this question.
Introduction
Childhood experiences are the ordeals or bringing up conditions one undergoes through as a child. These experiences could be emotional, psychological, physical, cultural or even sexual. Childhood experiences play a significant role in shaping our views as adults in many ways, for instance, the way we behave, thinking, feel, act, associate and many other ways.
Psychological experiences
To begin with, a child who never had time to interact with other kids or locked up during his/her childhood will portray anti-social behaviors. Children who never experienced love from their parents and other family members will depict irresponsible behaviors in adulthood, as they are unable to express the same feelings. Contrary, a child who experienced affection from the parents will feel the need to act the same way as their parents did.
Cultural Experiences
Secondly, culture experiences also play a role in shaping a person. A cultural environment where black is a symbol of evil will affect the feeling of an adult towards black skinned people. Some cultural experiences have men as superior and women inferior. This culture, therefore, shapes a girl child to a submissive woman.
Physical and emotional experiences
Thirdly, a child who experienced physically and emotionally understanding relationship with parents and other siblings can express out his/her feelings in a relaxed and positive. On the other hand, physically and emotionally abusive and hostile family experiences shape a child to a criminal, as he will act violently to confront situations. Lastly, sexual experiences affect how adults behave, view and feel about sex. Sexually abused children view sex as evil and shy away from it in adulthood (Duck, p.46).
Conclusions
How adults feel, behave, and view this is generally out of childhood experiences.
Positive experiences bear positives traits while negative experiences comprise adult well-being. It is therefore essential for parents or guardians to provide necessary conditions for positive experiences.
Late adulthood is the last stage of an individual’s developmental process. Late adulthood is a developmental stage between 55 or 65 years to death. It is an integrity verses despair stage. A number of individuals, who live up to late adulthood are usually contented and happy because of their achievements and contributions to life. The basic strength at late adulthood is wisdom gained through an individual’s experiences.
However, some people experience a sense of despair in late adulthood. This sense of despair can be attributed to apparent failures or unaccomplished projects. As a result, a number of people experiencing despair in late adulthood often fear death as they are still trying to find their purpose in life.
This paper examines ageism and the stereotypes associated with late adulthood; how individuals can promote health and wellness in late adulthood; the importance of relationships and social interactions; and personal attitudes towards death in late adulthood.
Ageism and Stereotypes Associated with Late Adulthood
Ageism is a term that was created by Butler Robert in 1969. The term ageism refers to a form of prejudice against old people. Ageism has always been associated with negative thoughts about the ageing process.
On the other hand, a stereotype refers to “a fixed or over generalized belief about a particular group or class of people”. A stereotype can be either positive or negative. However, most stereotypes are usually negative, thereby causing discriminative attitudes.
Late adulthood has been associated with a number of stereotypes, most of which are cruel and untrue. Some of the stereotypes associated with late adulthood include the following. First, old people are perceived as weak and frail. Most movies, magazines, and books emphasize physical beauty and portray it as what determines a person’s self worth and dignity.
Therefore, the younger a person is the higher his or her self worth. As a result, most young people fear growing old and a majority have embraced the use of modern personal care products, or cosmetics to enable them maintain a youthful look.
However, most of these products have hazardous side effects. Therefore, the society’s emphasis on young people has led to a negative perception about the elderly. This stereotype has also affected how the elderly view themselves.
Second, older people are stereotyped as unproductive economically. In most instances, most people consider the elderly as a form of liability and a burden to the society. However, not all aged people are dependant and unproductive. A number of aged people are able to take care of themselves by providing their basic needs.
Third, most people perceive the aged as sick and disabled. Ageing has always been associated with being prone to diseases and physical injuries, which eventually leads to suffering. However, not all aged people suffer from diseases and disabilities. A good number of people aged sixty-five years and above are healthy and are involved in the normal daily activities. Some of the aged people are even more active than the youth.
Fourth, old age has also been associated with decline in mental abilities and increase in mental illnesses. Most people perceive the elderly to be suffering from mental illnesses. However, only a small percentage of the older people suffer from psychiatric problems. Majority of people in late adulthood are still active mentally and are able to grasp new ideas without experiencing much difficulties.
Last but most importantly, the elderly have been perceived to limit social network and interactions. On the contrary, most elderly people have close relationships with their families and friends. Others are usually involved in volunteering work in their communities, whereas others are still engaged in their careers.
However, as a person ages he or she is not likely to be involved in several activities. Nonetheless, this does not imply that such a person is isolated and has a partial social network.
Stereotyping usually leads to social categorization that in most instances results into prejudice and discrimination. “Most stereotypes associated with late adulthood tend to convey a negative and wrong impression about aged people”.
Therefore, ageism and stereotypes associated with late adulthood negatively affect the elderly emotionally, socially, as well as, physically. Ageism like other forms of discrimination is likely to cause feelings of self-hatred, loneliness, shame, and low self-esteem among the elderly. This is because the elderly are more likely to conform to the societal stereotypes.
Ways of Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness in Late Adulthood
Ageing is a natural and an inevitable process. As a person ages, he is likely to experience a number of physical and emotional changes. However, the ageing process tends to differ from one individual to another.
Therefore, there is need for one to adopt a healthy lifestyle that will promote wellness and mitigate the effects of late adulthood. The following are some of the ways through which an individual can promote a healthy lifestyle and wellness in late adulthood.
First, a person should live positively in late adulthood. As a person ages, he is likely to undergo inevitable changes. These changes can be either physical or emotional. For instance, some people may have feelings of anxiety or depression in late adulthood. Others may be diagnosed with fatal illnesses such as cancer. In such instances, a person ought to positively embrace the changes and continue to find purpose in life.
Maintaining a positive mind-set will facilitate smooth transition during late adulthood. Second, it is important to maintain physical fitness in late adulthood. It is important to engage in a number of physical activities such as walking, gardening, and fishing during late adulthood. Physical activeness will promote relaxation, thereby reducing stress. It will also improve both physical and mental health.
A healthy lifestyle in late adulthood can also be realized through proper nutrition. Most elderly people usually experience nutritional imbalances and deficiencies. In late adulthood, a person is required to get more nutrients through a balanced diet.
To achieve and maintain proper nutrition, older adults can seek advice from a nutritionist or a dietitian. Last but most importantly, a healthy lifestyle and wellness in late adulthood can be achieved by being hopeful. Hope enables an individual to be resilient and positive during late adulthood. Hope also enables a person to be optimistic.
Importance of Social Interactions and Relationships in Late Adulthood
Social interactions and relationships are very important in late adulthood. Interaction with friends and family members enables an individual in late adulthood to experience the love of people around him or her. The social interactions may also help an old person to find meaning and purpose in life.
As a result, an individual may continue to live positively. Maintaining social interactions and relationships will also enable an individual to have an active social life. This may also help an old person to avoid having negative feelings such as anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
Cultural and Personal Attitudes about Death and Dignity in Late Adulthood
Death is perceived in different ways in various cultures. For instance, the western world has a different perception about death compared to the eastern world. In the west, most people fear old age, as well as, death. However, in the eastern world, people consider death as a continuation of life.
In addition, respect and dignity are accorded to the elderly in the society as opposed to the western world. Most people in the west consider death and old age to be similar. This perception about death varies from one individual to another. There are individuals who are comfortable with the reality about death as they age, while others dread death.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it can be concluded that late adulthood is a stage that most people have perceived negatively because of stereotyping. However, it is important to note that late adulthood and death are natural stages of life.
A person is able to lead a fulfilling life even in old age by being positive about the changes, maintaining proper nutrition and physical fitness, as well as, remaining hopeful. It is also important to maintain social interactions and relationships in late adulthood.
References
Berger, K. S. (2010). Invitation to the life span. New York: Worth Publishers.
Collins, A., & Smyer, M. (2005). The Resilience of Self Esteem in Late Adulthood. Journal of Aging Health 17(4) , 479-480.
“A&P” is a narrative that was authored by John Updike and published in 1961. The narrator in this story is Sammy a teenage boy who is working as a cashier in a grocery store. Sammy is severely dissatisfied with his current job and the conduct of his boss.
Updike’s story describes the events surrounding the actions of a young boy who is stuck at a dead end job. His decision to quit his job sparks controversy in his work place. The theme of maturity in “A&P” is explored in detail by Updike. This paper will explore the affirmation of adulthood as expressed by Sammy in “A&P”.
Sammy spends his days serving customers at the cash register. At certain times, Sammy’s job might include giving explanations to disgruntled customers. His job remains boring until one afternoon when three bikini-wearing girls walk into the establishment. In the narration, Sammy describes the girls just like an adolescent boy would.
The girls’ dress mode causes quite a stir in the store. To Sammy’s surprise, all the men in the store start ogling at the girls including the older men. The charade is cut short by A&P’s manager who confronts the girls for indecency consequently embarrassing them. Sammy seizes this opportunity to act as the hero by protesting the manager’s actions and quitting his job. However, none of the girls notices his heroism.
Many readers of this story would commend Sammy for being a hero, standing up to his manager, and quitting his job. However, there are those who are of the view that Sammy’s decision is a reflection of his immaturity. There is a hint of truth to the latter argument because of the way the narrator is presented by the story.
Three desirable bikini-clad girls enter the store and consequently grab the attention of every man. It is therefore likely that Sammy made the decision to quit his job so as to get the girls’ attention. Nevertheless, Sammy’s actions could also be signaling his transition to adulthood. Sammy might have realized that sometimes a man has to make a decision and follow through with it thereby reaffirming his adulthood.
When the reader is first introduced to Sammy, it is apparent that he is the embodiment of youth and immaturity. Even the first line from the young narrator’s mouth is “in walks three girls with nothing but bathing suits” (Updike 1026). This line opens Sammy’s way of thinking to the readers’ scrutiny.
The subsequent narration is synonymous with that of an adolescent. This initial encounter with the main character spells his immaturity. At one point, Sammy forgets his job just to ogle at the girls. While this encounter shows the main character’s immature nature, his later actions signify a migration to maturity.
The readers are not the only ones who take note of Sammy’s immaturity. The author notes that Sammy is wearing the “white shirt that his mother ironed the night before”. The manager at A& P also warns Sammy not to disappoint his “mom and dad” by quitting. This implies that Sammy’s efforts as a worker might be benefitting his parents.
This is further proof that Sammy is not necessarily immature but he is transitioning to adulthood. His actions are his way of setting the record straight and reaffirming his adulthood. That is why he is not concerned about pleasing his father and mother. He articulates that from that point forward, his actions as an adult only impact his life.
Sammy’s thoughts are not entirely hormonal. He realizes that he is now moving towards adulthood. This is why he compares himself with his coworker Stokesie. Due to his age, Stokesie is considered an adult. However, in Sammy’s view the only difference between them is that Stokesie has a family and he (Sammy) does not.
He assesses his life and that of Stokesie using their current dreams. While Stokesie wants to be the store’s manager, Sammy’s future life is imagined to be away the store. For instance, he seems to envy the life he imagines Queenie’s father is living (Updike 1028). The way Sammy contemplates the future and assesses the current situation is an affirmation of adulthood.
Sammy first quit his job hoping that he would impress the girls. However, after this does not work he still follows through with his decision. One possible reason for this action is that Sammy had the urge to quit but he had not found the opportunity (Magill 2334). This is why when he is given a chance to reconsider his decision he does not change his mind.
His earlier thoughts show that his dissatisfaction with his current job is quite prominent. This is why his decision may not be as shallow and immature as it seems. The need to justify his decision may be another attempt to reaffirm his adulthood. This is because he realizes that as an adult he cannot quit his job for no reason.
The main theme in Updike’s “A&P” is that of growing up. The author uses the story’s main character and narrator to develop this theme. The story begins with an adolescent boy ogling at bikini-clad girls and ends with the same boy staring at a parking lot and realizing that his life is going to be very hard. This is a true affirmation of adulthood.
Works Cited
Magill, Frank. Critical Survey of Short Fiction, Pasadena, CA: Salem Press, 1993. Print. Updike, John. Harper Anthology of Fiction, New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1989. Print.