Chapter 8
Thischapterhasexploredthetransitions
peopleexperiencefromthemiddletothe
lateryearsoftheirlives.Itbeganwithalife-
cycleperspectiveontheagingprocess.This
includedareviewofErickson’seightstages
ofdevelopmentandLevinson’sfourstages
orerasofdevelopment.The Nichols’
model viewed marriage from a
developmental standpoint.This model
offers four stages: the beginning years,
the early years,the middle years,and the
later years.
The middle years represent a much
longer period than in earlier times
because of the increasing longevity of
Americans.Family transitions during
this time include several potential exits
and returns of older children; juggling of
schedules related to work,home life,
church and other activities; physical
changes due to the aging process; and
dealing with aging parents.The middle
years can be a particularly stressful and
difficult period for families.
Midlife crisis represents a time of
introspection and reevaluation of life,
accomplishments,and goals.While this
can be a stressful period of time,it also
can bring about a new sense of purpose.
Menopause and its associated hormonal
and chemical changes seem to serve as a
physical springboard,launching both
women and men into a new phase of life.
Parent-child relationships changeconsiderably during this period.
Children move out,marry,integrate
another person into the family,and
ultimately add grandchildren to the
family.During this same time period,the
parents often care for their aging parents.
This puts a strain on families in the
middle years,especially women,who are
the primary caretakers.
Myths about the elderly and the aging
process lend a pessimistic view of the last
stage of life.From a developmental
perspective,the later years represent a
time when couples readjust to having
increased time together and finding new
interests in life.Fine-tuning
communication techniques will vastly
improve a couple’s ability to support one
another and work together to exercise
their talents.While aging is a gradual
process,people in their later years can
expect to notice a decline in several areas
of functioning.Older people can
maintain a high level of emotional well-
being despite these physical changes.As
evidence of this,older adults experience
the lowest levels of depression in
comparison to adults in other phases of
the life cycle.As people age,their sense of
satisfaction with the quality of their
marriage increases,their relationships
with their children improve,and their
overall view of life is enhanced.The two
biggest predictors of quality of life in
both sexes are their financial situationSummary