The human life cycle is often divided into different stages, from infancy to old age. While there are some variations, a common model identifies five key life stages:
- Infancy (birth to 2 years)
- Early childhood (3 to 8 years)
- Adolescence (9 to 18 years)
- Early adulthood (19 to 40 years)
- Middle adulthood (41 to 65 years)
Some models add a sixth stage of late adulthood from 65 years until death. However, today, with rising life expectancies, many people are living actively into their 70s, 80s and beyond. For that reason, some developmental psychologists propose that we are entering a new, fifth stage of life after middle adulthood. This stage, spanning ages 65 to 85+, has been referred to as late adulthood, senior adulthood or elderly adulthood.
What are the key features of this fifth stage?
While there is no single agreed upon framework, some key features associated with this fifth stage of life include:
Continued development
Rather than being a time of decline, this period can be one of continued development. Many people remain actively engaged and want to keep growing psychologically, emotionally, spiritually. With life experience comes wisdom.
Evolving social roles
Social roles continue to evolve. While work identity may change with retirement, other meaningful roles can expand through family, community service and leisure pursuits. Grandparenting can take on increased significance.
Evolving priorities
With life experience comes perspective. Priorities may shift more to meaning, legacy and enjoyment rather than achievement and accumulation. Being present and appreciating small moments becomes increasingly important.
Evolving relationships
Relationships change and mature. Long-term marriages evolve. Friendships take on special significance. There may be grief and loss of loved ones along with forging new bonds and connections, including intergenerational ones.
Financial and lifestyle changes
Retirement brings changes in income, lifestyle and activity. Financial stability and healthcare concerns can also come more to the fore. Travel and new learning tend to take higher priority as work declines.
Physical and cognitive changes
While rates of change differ, this time tends to bring declining energy, endurance and health, along with some cognitive changes. At the same time, self-care and fitness along with mental stimulation and learning help maintain functioning.
Confronting mortality
As the final life stage comes more clearly into view, the realities of aging, loss and death generally become more prominent. Finding meaning and acceptance in the face of mortality is a key developmental task.
Why is this considered a distinct life stage?
There are several reasons why this period of the 60s, 70s and beyond is increasingly viewed as a separate life stage:
- People are living longer than ever before in human history. Average life expectancies have risen dramatically in the 20th century, adding decades beyond middle adulthood.
- People are generally reaching old age in better health and with higher activity levels, allowing a longer span of continued active participation.
- Retirement provides a clear marker and transition into a period of life with greater freedom and different lifestyles.
- Psychologically, there appears to be continued maturation, evolving priorities and generativity during this life phase for many people.
- Distinct biological changes occur including an increase in chronic health conditions like heart disease and arthritis which impact lifestyle and relationships.
Taken together, this suggests a period of life quite different from both the middle adulthood that precedes it and the frailty often associated with old age. It warrants delineation as a separate developmental stage.
What are some theories explaining development in late adulthood?
Psychologists have proposed different theories to understand human development during this fifth stage of life:
Psychosocial theory
Erik Erikson viewed late adulthood as the time to develop ego integrity while facing despair. Integrating one’s past life experiences successfully leads to wisdom and acceptance of mortality, while failure results in fear, regret and bitterness.
Socioemotional selectivity theory
Laura Carstensen proposes that with perceived time constraints, people shift priorities more toward emotional goals over knowledge acquisition and future-oriented goals. Enjoying family and social circles takes precedence.
Gerotranscendence theory
Tornstam describes a shift in metaperspective from a materialistic and rational vision to a more transcendent one. There is greater affinity for past and future generations, as well as acceptance of death.
Selective optimization with compensation theory
Baltes argues people selectively focus on activities important to them while optimizing abilities through skill building. As capacities decline, compensation via accommodation becomes important.
Cognitive developmental theories
Thinkers like Labouvie-Vief see potential for increases in wisdom, complexity of thought, and self-understanding during late life development. Pragmatism is emphasized over abstract ideals.
How do men and women experience this life stage differently?
Research shows some notable gender differences in how development unfolds after middle adulthood:
Different trajectories
Women are much more likely to experience widowhood and live alone in later life due to greater longevity. Men tend to experience steeper declines in health and functioning as they age.
Different relationships
Relationships with children and grandchildren tend to be more central for women. Male friendships decline more without the workplace. Women do more caregiving while men receive more care.
Different lifestyles
Men tend to lead more autonomous lifestyles with formal activities like clubs and sports while women focus on family and informal socializing. Women do more volunteering.
Different priorities
Women tend to maintain their social networks, family responsibilities and interests in personal growth more actively. Men are more goal-oriented toward personal achievement.
Different coping
Women draw more on social support and verbal sharing of problems. Men rely more on denial and distraction to cope with grief, health decline and loss.
These reflect both social role differences and lifelong developmental trajectories. But the gender gap does appear to be narrowing among recent generations of older adults. Shared patterns are also more common in the oldest-old (over 85).
What are some milestones marking this life transition?
While experiences vary greatly, there are some typical milestones associated with the transition into this later phase of adulthood:
Retirement
Retirement from full-time work involves major lifestyle changes and opportunities. New schedules, activities, and goals require significant adaptation for most people.
Grandparenting
Becoming a grandparent is valued by many as providing a sense of generativity, legacy and purpose. It can involve developing new family traditions and rituals.
Physical changes
Gradual physical changes like reduced endurance and chronic conditions force lifestyle adjustments around the 60s. Support like hearing aids or canes may be needed.
Mental shifts
Outlook and priorities often shift from future planning to present enjoyment and appreciation of relationships. Wisdom from experience grows.
Changing caregiving roles
Caring for aging parents while supporting children/grandkids becomes common in the late 50s-60s, requiring balance of responsibilities.
Loss
Bereavement from losing friends or partners from one’s age group frequently occurs from the late 60s onward, along with related grieving and adaptation.
Residential transitions
Housing decisions like downsizing, moving closer to family or entering senior communities often take place in the mid-60s to 70s as needs and mobility change.
These milestones signify changing roles, perspectives and identities associated with the later part of the human journey. Rituals and rites of passage can help mark these transitions.
What are some key facts and figures about people in this life stage?
Here are some interesting statistics about the size and attributes of this population group:
Population Figures
- As of 2022, there were about 74 million U.S. adults aged 65 to 84.
- This group makes up about 22% of the total U.S. population.
- The 85+ population numbered about 7 million and is the fastest growing age group.
- Women outnumber men by a ratio of 3 to 2 in their 60s, increasing to 6 to 1 by the late 80s.
Marital Status
- 75% of men but only 46% of women ages 65+ are currently married.
- 75% of women versus 14% of men over age 85 are widowed.
- Among those ages 65-84, 93% of men remarry after divorce/widowhood versus 57% of women.
Living Situations
- 80% of older adults live independently in the community versus in facilities.
- 30% of women versus 13% of men over 75 live alone.
- 10% of adults 65+ live in multigenerational homes.
Employment
- 20% of adults 65+ report actively working. This reaches 29% for those 65-69.
- The average retirement age in the U.S. is 65 for men, 63 for women.
- 20% of retirees have unretired and returned to work part-time.
These statistics help capture the diversity within this large and growing segment of the population.
What are typical risks faced in this life phase?
Some concerns and challenges tend to increase during this fifth stage:
| Physical Risks | Mental Health Risks | Social Risks |
|---|---|---|
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|
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However, many people thrive and avoid decline during this stage through close relationships, mental engagement and healthy lifestyles. Social support networks are critical.
What are recommended practices for positive aging in this stage?
Some practices that can promote health, well-being and personal growth during the post retirement years include:
Physical Practices
- Regular physical activity like walking, swimming or gentle yoga
- Healthy eating with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- Good sleep habits and restorative rest/naps
- Active management of any chronic conditions
- Preventative care like cancer screenings and vaccines
- Fall-proofing one’s home environment
- Brain health activities like puzzles or learning new skills
Mental Practices
- Release regrets and gratitude for life lessons
- Pursue growth through classes, groups or self-study
- Limit media exposure for balance and positivity
- Engage in arts, music or cultural activities
- Cultivate spirituality through nature, meditation, faith community
- Practice mindfulness, living intentionally in the present
- Develop wisdom through self-reflection and sharing stories
Social Practices
- Nurture close family relationships and friendships
- Contribute through volunteer work and community groups
- Share wisdom and mentor younger generations
- Connect with others over common interests and passions
- Build new relationships and networks to avoid isolation
- Advocate for just policies and share experiences
- Collaborate and learn across generational lines
Aging with vitality involves integrating all dimensions of wellness. Connection seems to be the unifying force for health in later life.
Conclusion
While some variability exists in models, many gerontologists and developmental psychologists recognize a fifth stage of life between middle and late adulthood. This stage, encompassing ages from the 60s into the 80s, is characterized by continued development amid new roles, priorities, challenges and opportunities. It requires adaptations surrounding work, relationships, identity, activities, health and environment. With extended lifespans, it has clearly emerged as a distinct phase, making life a five act rather than four act play. Understanding and supporting the developmental needs of this age group represents both an opportunity and responsibility as individuals and society.