Introduction
The psychology of aging examines the various biological, social, and economic issues that individuals experience in different stages of development. Researchers use behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial theories to examine the issues linked to various development stages influencing individuals’ thinking, physical health, and behavior at each stage. Middle and late adulthood are among the developmental phases with detectable changes in memory, behavior, and health. Case studies are considered one of the main research methods used to examine human developmental changes. This analysis utilizes case studies to examine the various physical, health, and psychological aspects linked with the middle and late adulthood stages of development to ascertain that an individual’s memory, energy, and health deteriorate with age.
Analysis 1
The first case involves James and Sally, who are in their middle age. Mid-life refers to the halfway age between 20 and 80, which is the 40s (Schaie & Willis, 2021). In the case study, the two struggle with issues related to their careers, jobs, and families. According to Kail and Cavanaugh (2019), the cognitive psychology theory suggests that individuals in the middle adulthood stage have enhanced judgment, decision-making, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Such aspects are witnessed in the case as James is confronted with issues of managing time for work, studies, and family. Individuals at this age are reported to suffer from mental and emotional issues like depression, insomnia, anxiety, and acute stress symptoms related to the numerous responsibilities they are expected to fulfill (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2019). Such aspects are evident in the case as James experiences irritability, exhaustion, snappiness, demotivation, and occasional headaches, which are signs of anxiety. Sally undergoes exhaustion and stress as no family member is available to assist her. Work and the pursuit of professionalism at this stage of life become the central aspect that influences the individual’s health, social relationships, personality, and thinking (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2019). James is experiencing headaches linked to stress over pressure from family, school, and work.
In addition, cognitive reasoning is portrayed in most of the issues involved in the case. For example, the model is evident as James aims at attaining personal fulfillment and economic independence. Erikson’s developmental theory shows that James is in the middle adulthood stage, struggling with stagnation issues (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2019). This aspect is evident as James feels he will not be able to continue with his Master’s degree in nursing as he has a young family to support. Cognitive psychology theory states that middle adulthood is linked with emotional stability, where individuals are better positioned to negotiate social situations (Schaie & Willis, 2021). This issue is evident as James is in a negotiation position, thinking about the best way to deal with family, work, and school. Therefore, it is practical for James to critically evaluate such issues to ensure that his actions do not compromise life in the advanced stage of development.
In an examination of the self-determination theory, the environment around James significantly impacts his motivation. In this case, the responsibilities with the newborn make him irritable whenever he is asked to do some tasks around the house. Such aspects make him lose intrinsic motivation, making him feel detached from his wife (Schaie & Willis, 2021; Snowdon, 2001). Such aspects develop as he feels that the responsibilities linked to the new family provide barriers to attaining his goals, especially with completing his Master’s degree in nursing (Lemme, 2006). The middle adulthood stage is linked to aspects like fluid memory, as individuals mainly focus on comprehending the various issues they are facing while trying to find solutions to the problems they are experiencing (Schaie & Willis, 2021). This kind of memory is effective as individuals are confronted with issues where they have to make meaningful decisions that would lead to satisfaction in the advanced stages of life.
Analysis 2
The second case study involves Clarice and her husband, Edward, who are in the late adulthood stage of development. Late adulthood, also referred to as the third age, is the age between 60 to 80 years. Individuals at this age may experience positive aging with improved life expectancy as well as high levels of emotional and physical well-being, contrary to Clarice’s and Edward’s case. Edward and Clarice suffer complete exhaustion and reflect on the aspects they have achieved in life since they are exiting their productive stage (Newman B. & Newman P., 2017). Mental and emotional health in late adulthood is paramount as individuals at this age experience mental and neurological disorders.
Both Clarice and Edward are experiencing stress and anxiety. The two display signs of negative aging as the life they had planned after retirement is not working as expected, making them feel uneasy, stressed, and exhausted (Abeles, 2007; Snowdon, 2001). Retirement significantly impacts Clarice and her husband at this stage, as they encounter challenges transitioning to staying at home. Individuals at the retirement stage feel useless, depressed, and have low self-esteem, as evident in Clarice and Edward’s case (Abeles, 2007; Schaie & Willis, 2021). Such issues are perceived to be contrary to most elderly, who tend to be happier when they retire if they are not forced.
At this stage, individuals tend to have higher crystallized intelligence as they recall the memories of events and past encounters, as opposed to fluid intelligence. According to the cognitive psychology theory, the mental condition of the elderly is complex as the response speeds decline with age (Lemme, 2006; Schaie & Willis, 2021). Erikson’s development theory states that individuals in the late adulthood stage experience aspects like integrity and despair (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2018). The two individuals feel lost even though they have raised their children with stable relationships and families except for their last born. This issue is considered a cause of depression and stress among the couple since they feel disappointed as they had effectively played their roles as parents.
Individuals in late adulthood are associated with numerous emotional changes. The psychosocial development theory supposes that individuals in late adulthood are mutually withdrawn and become more isolated (Schaie & Willis, 2021). The lack of effective adjustment to the new retirement life makes them feel helpless, leading to a lack of motivation to live the remaining part of their lives awaiting the inevitable death (Hoffnung et al., 2018; Peterson, 2013). At this stage, the two undergo challenges like physical and mental health problems, financial insecurity, isolation, and loneliness since their children have their own families and pursuing their careers (Newman & Newman, 2017). Late adulthood is confronted with varied issues as individuals are at the last stages of their lives, evaluating their achievements during their productive ages. Such issues are depicted in the lives of Clarice and Edward, who are experiencing the impacts of aging.
Conclusion
The two cases represent challenges experienced at two different developmental stages of human life. The middle and late adulthood stages are linked with varied challenges as individuals face different forms or realities in life. The individuals face different challenges that are linked to the lives they have had in the previous stages of development. In both cases, the individuals are confronted with issues that directly influence them to have significant psychological impacts. Erikson’s developmental theory, self-determination, activity theory, and other developmental theories provide resourceful insights into how individual experiences influence their motivation and fulfillment in life at different stages.
References
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Schaie, K. W., & Willis, S. (2021). Handbook of the psychology of aging (9th ed.). Academic Press
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