Development does not end with the attainment of physical maturity. Bodily change occurs throughout life, affecting the individual’s attitudes, cognitive processes, and behavior. Such changes are particularly evident in the process of aging.
Current research is concerned with whether some of the psychological changes that occur with old age result from physical changes or are primarily a function of the conditions of reduced stimulation and restricted mobility under which most elderly people live in our society.
Psychological development also continues throughout life identity problems to not end with adolescence. Many individuals in their twenties are still undecided about what they want to do in life. A study of college juniors and seniors found that more than one-half were still confused and unsure about their political ideology, religious beliefs, and occupational choice (Podd, 1969). This finding is not unexpected since college provides the young person with an opportunity to sample many ideas and potential life styles.
Commitment to an occupation and way of life begins to mold one’s identify, as does assuming the role of a parent. But even in later years people need not be static; development of interests and abilities continue. And some individuals change their life style dramatically during middle age.
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At each stage of life somewhat different problems must be dealt with. The adolescent is busy forging his identity, developing independence, and building skills. The young adult is faced with decisions- what job is take, to marry or not, how many offspring to produce. Marriage, if chosen, involves further adjustments and problems.
Despite such difficulties, older people who have been married look back on their young adult years as the happiest in their lives. Older people who have never married tend to view childhood as the time of greatest happiness (Landis, 1942).
Middle age, the year from 45-65, brings new problems. Vocational status at this point is pretty well fixed; if the individual has not arrived at the station in life he had envisioned, chances are he wills not, Children are beginning to leave home; the mother who has dedicated her life to their welfare may find existence very empty. The sharp increase in suicide rate in the 40-50 age groups reflects some of these difficulties.
The percentage of the total population aged 65 or over has more than doubled in the last half-century, though the trend shows signs of slackening. (U.S. Bureau of the Census)
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After age 65, there are other problems. For example, retired persons must adjust to their extra time. The person who has suffered a heart attack or other debilitating illness is often demoralized by the experience.
Loneliness owing to death of family members, children’s moving away, or the inability to travel has to be confronted. Since the proportion of older people in the population is progressively.