What is Erikson's final stage of adulthood, typically experienced at age 80?

Erikson's final stage of adulthood is characterized by the conflict between integrity and despair. This stage typically occurs in late adulthood, around the age of 80 and beyond. During this period, individuals reflect on their lives and evaluate their experiences. Those who feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with their life achievements tend to develop a sense of integrity. This involves accepting one's life as it was lived, recognizing both successes and failures, and finding meaning in those experiences.

Conversely, those who look back with regret, feel a sense of wasted opportunity, or are dissatisfied with their life's journey may experience despair. This despair can lead to feelings of hopelessness about the future and a sense of despair about the past. The successful resolution of this stage is important for psychosocial development, as it influences one's outlook on life and emotional well-being in later years.

This stage is distinct from earlier stages, which focus on different conflicts, such as intimacy versus isolation or generativity versus stagnation, which are more relevant to younger adulthood and midlife, respectively. The other options reflect earlier developmental challenges and are not pertinent to the reflections and considerations typical of late adulthood.