What is the primary psychosocial challenge faced in Erikson's stage for ages 65 and older?

The primary psychosocial challenge faced in Erikson's stage for ages 65 and older is "Ego integrity vs despair." At this stage, individuals reflect on their lives, assessing their accomplishments and failures. Successful resolution of this stage leads to a sense of fulfillment and wisdom, where individuals feel a sense of integrity regarding the lives they have lived. They are able to look back with a sense of acceptance and peace, acknowledging that they made choices that were meaningful and contributed to who they are.

Conversely, if individuals feel regret or dissatisfaction with their life choices during this period, they may experience despair. This can lead to feelings of bitterness or a sense of wasted opportunities. The emotional well-being of older adults is heavily influenced by how they view their past, making this stage crucial for fostering a sense of closure and contentment as they approach the end of life.

In contrast, the other options represent earlier stages in life: "Identity vs role confusion" pertains to adolescents discovering their personal identity; "Autonomy vs shame and doubt" relates to young children developing a sense of independence; and "Intimacy vs isolation" focuses on young adults forming meaningful relationships. Each of these stages has its own challenges that are age-specific, which is why "