Which developmental task corresponds to the late life period (65 years and older) according to Erikson?

• A. Generativity versus Stagnation
• B. Intimacy versus Isolation
• C. Ego Integrity versus Despair
• D. Industry versus Inferiority

Answer: (C)

In Erikson's theory, the task in later life centers on looking back over one’s life and making sense of it, shaping a sense of coherence. This culminates in ego integrity versus despair: achieving acceptance of what has happened, feeling a sense of wholeness and wisdom, and facing death with peace. If life is viewed with unresolved regrets or a sense of missed opportunities, despair can take hold, accompanied by fear and dissatisfaction. The other stages fit different life periods: generativity versus stagnation is about guiding and contributing to the next generation in middle adulthood; intimacy versus isolation concerns forming close relationships in young adulthood; industry versus inferiority covers developing competence during childhood and school years. So the late-life task is about integrating experiences into a coherent self, which is ego integrity.