What Does Psychology Say?

Figure 16.1 While later adulthood brings about social and emotional adjustments, many of those changes are positive, often resulting in more free time and more positive emotions. (credit: modification of work “Sunset Meditation” by Sheila Sund/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Chapter Outline

16.1 The Meaning of Aging in Late Adulthood

16.2 Contexts: Family, Friendships, Romantic Relationships, and Social Communities in Late Adulthood

16.3 Retirement in Late Adulthood

16.4 Living Environments and Aging in Late Adulthood

16.5 Successful Social and Emotional Aging in Late Adulthood

LeShaun is sixty-two years old and considering retiring from her nursing career. Although not having to deal with the stress of her job seems appealing, she’s a bit unsure about what she’ll do with that free time. While she plans to spend some of it with her adult children and the neighbors in her apartment complex, she also feels she’ll miss her relationships with her work friends. Her spouse passed away very unexpectedly ten years ago, and her work relationships have been a fulfilling, daily source of social interactions. She also has a stable network of friends outside of her job, but she worries about feeling lonely without that daily contact with colleagues.

LeShaun considers taking on some new activities to fill her time and give her a sense of purpose. She’s heard about medical volunteer opportunities abroad and is intrigued by the prospect of going someplace she’s never been, like Cambodia or Peru. She has always wanted to travel, and being able to use her medical training to help others in the process would be an added bonus. However, several decades of living with the autoimmune disease lupus have taken a toll on her bones and joints, making her apprehensive about being away from her primary doctor. Understandably, she has several questions about this next phase in life:

• What will her social and emotional life be like throughout her later years?
• What will her most meaningful relationships and activities look like?
• What are some of the challenges, obstacles, and opportunities she might face?

Fortunately for LeShaun, research suggests her life can continue to be happy and fulfilling in late adulthood.