As we grow older we tend to slow down. Our productivity seems to plummet and society starts to move forward even faster. This leaves us in a situation were we are obligated to start a journey in our lives as a retired person. It is during this time that we contemplate our achievements and are able to develop integrity. But this occurs only if we see ourselves as living a successful life.
Erik Erikson understood that “if we see our lives as unproductive, feel guilt about our past, or feel that we did not accomplish our life goals, we become dissatisfied with life and develop despair” (Erikson,1980). Despair has been found to be a leading source to depression and hopelessness. However if one is able to find success in this stage it will lead
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If you are able to stick to your personal values and goals then surely you will be able to achieve a sense of integrity. No one wants to have regrets, but no one is perfect either. We will all make mistakes but we have the ability to make up for our wrongs.
During the last stage of adulthood, I gave a lot of thought to my identity. I contemplated whether my career essentially defined me or if my sense of self was defined by experiences and relationships. My family members and friends continued to challenge me while I developed hobbies and found ways to pass the time with other engaging activities.
Around this time I also began to see signs of aging on my body and mind. I found that I was often reviewing my life and personal development. I shared life lessons with those around me. “Nostalgia and reminiscence can lead to healthy coping” (Erickson, 1998). However I noticed reflection about past mistakes was a contributing to my poor mental health. I would reflect less on the past mistakes and focus more on the good that I was able to achieve throughout my life. A positive attitude helps carry people through life's hardest times. With the help of good support you can be more deliberate in health practices and look for ways to maintain a quality of life that you can