As the older person goes through life, they may begin to reflect on how they lived their life and whether it was worth it. In the next few paragraphs, I will summarize Erikson's theory of ego integrity and despair in the elderly. This is the final stage of the eight that I would describe as a glimpse into life through the eyes of a late adult. When an individual reaches the age of 65 at the time of death, they are considered to be in the final stages of ego integrity and despair (Cherry, 2018). This is the final stage where, if asked, the older person will be able to tell you how they viewed the life they lived. Some will be happy with the choices they made and the results, while others will want to “go back in time.” This step is not the easiest, as some may find it too difficult to deal with things they cannot change. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The ultimate goal is to overcome the final stage and attain wisdom. Feeling like most of the right choices were made doesn't mean you've had a perfect life. It simply means that you feel at peace with where you are as you move closer to death. I had experiences with both sides when I worked in hospice. It's truly wonderful when your patient tells you not to worry about him because he has lived a good life. I've also had patients tell me not to make the same mistakes they made, because you can't take them back. “As individuals approach death, they are confronted with their evaluation of their life as a whole and their acceptance of the person they have become” (Goodcase, Love, 2017). It's important to note that each person will have a different perspective on this. Erikson looks at your progression throughout life. With ego integrity, older people tend to be satisfied with their achievements, even with ups and downs. They will enter the final phase with more content or even a feeling of having accomplished a lot. I see this in my own parents, who often tell me that they are happy with their choice to move to Florida. In contrast, desperate older people are unhappy with how their life choices have turned out. References Cherry, K., (2018). Integrity versus despair: Psychosocial development. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/integrity-versus-despair-2795738 Goodcase ET and Love, HA (2017). From despair to wholeness: Using narrative therapy for older adults in the final stage of Erikson's identity development. Clinical Social Work Journal, 45(4), 354, doi:10.1007/s10615-016-0601-6 Perry, T.E., Ruggiano, N., Shtompel, N., and Hassevoort, L. (2014). Applying Erikson's wisdom to self-management practices for older adults. Aging Research, 37(3), 253-274. do I:10.1177/0164027514527974