What is a key characteristic of individuals in late adulthood?

In late adulthood, individuals often engage in reflecting on their life experiences, which includes assessing life achievements. This process is a crucial element of this stage of life as it allows individuals to find meaning in their past, evaluate their successes and failures, and come to terms with their mortality. This self-reflection can lead to feelings of satisfaction or regret, influencing their overall mental and emotional well-being.

As people age, they typically have more time to think about their life’s work and relationships. This assessment can also be tied to the concept of integrity versus despair, as theorized by Erik Erikson, where successful resolution results in a sense of fulfillment and wisdom.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects less aligned with the predominant concerns of late adulthood. Seeking intimacy, establishing career goals, and forming new relationships tend to be more relevant to earlier stages of life when individuals are still navigating professional development and social connections. In late adulthood, the focus shifts more towards reflection and legacy rather than the pursuit of new goals or relationships.