Describe two social role transitions and life events that occur in late adulthood. One social role transition that occurs in late adulthood is retirement. "The appropriate age for retirement in the United States is currently understood to be 65" (Hutchison, 2019, p. 344). However, with male workers who have a higher level of education, male workers switch to more sedimentary positions to continue working (Hutchison, 2019, p. 344). With a fraction of retirees, studies found that retirement can be stressful under four different conditions: "retirement was involuntary or unplanned, there are no other means of financial support besides salary, work provided an escape from an unhappy home life, and retirement was precipitated by preexisting bad health (Hutchison, 2019, p. 344). A second social role transitions that occurs in late adulthood is becoming a widow or death of spouse. Losing a partner or spouse may be considered the "most stressful event in a person's life" (Hutchison, 2019, p. 346). The textbook continues stating "34% of U.S. women aged 65 or older were widowed, compared with 12% of men" (Hutchison, 2019, p. 346). Along with this social role transition, it is important to note that widowed persons were more likely to have depressive symptoms than married persons, specifically widowed women (Hutchison, 2019, p. 346). An interesting phenomenon noted as the "widowhood effect" shows that widowed persons are more likely to experience death after becoming a widow (Hutchison, 2019, p. 346). Explain whether ego integrity is a predictor of successful adjustment in late adulthood. Erikson's psychosocial theory of ego integrity versus ego despair for late adulthood is interesting. He believes that this age must "make peace with one's one and only life cycle and to find unity with the world" (Hutchison, 2019, p. 335). I believe this is important for people to find, especially within this age population, but I do not believe it is a predictor of successful adjustment in late adulthood. Valliant found that different factors would be important for this population to have good well-being, including "good self care, future orientation; ability to anticipate, plan, and hope, capacity for gratitude and forgiveness, capacity for empathy, desire to do things with people rather than to them" (Hutchison, 2019, p. 354). I believe having Valliant's factors transitioning into late adulthood or early in late adulthood are predictors of successful adjustment in late adulthood. Reference: Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Describe two social role transitions and life events that occur in late adulthood. In late adulthood, individuals often experience several social role transitions and life events that can significantly impact their well- being and adjustment. Two common social role transitions include retirement from work and the death of their spouse. By age 65, adults are facing the decision to retire (Hutchison, 2019). Retirement marks a significant shift in daily routines, social interactions, and personal identities. They must decide if they can afford to retire and if their social security benefits can cover their cost of living (Hutchison, 2019). By age 65, a large percentage of women are widowed in heterosexual spousal relationships (Hutchison, 2019). This has had a huge impact on women's mental health issues in their late adulthood. Explain whether ego integrity is a predictor of successful adjustment in late adulthood. Ego integrity, as proposed by Erik Erikson, refers to the feeling of satisfaction that arises from reflecting on one's life and coming to terms with its successes and failures (Hutchison, 2019). Individuals who possess a strong sense of ego integrity tend to demonstrate greater resilience in the face of life events, maintain better psychological well-being, and experience a higher quality of life, making peace with one's only life cycle and finding unity with the world" (Hutchison, 2019, p. 335). It can contribute to a sense of generativity, or the desire to contribute to future generations, which in turn can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose in late adulthood (Hutchison, 2019). Overall, the ability to reflect on one's life with acceptance and wisdom can be influential in promoting successful adjustment in the later stages of life. Reference Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.