Instructions In This Module: Complete The Virtual Life

Instructionsin This Module You Will Complete The Virtual Life Portion

In this module you will complete the virtual life portion of the project. You will begin with age 65 so that you may complete late adulthood. Please answer the questions below and be sure to include images.

1. Do you expect to have a sense of ego integrity or ego despair as you move into and through late adulthood? What might make you more or less likely to have a sense of integrity? Now that you have been through the exercises of later adulthood, what decisions might you have made either now or in your virtual past in order to cope differently with either negative or positive experiences you have had in your Virtual Life?

2. Write your own conclusion or obituary about your Virtual Life. What significant others in your life remain after you? What would you list as your meaningful moments or accomplishments, either those addressed within this Virtual Life course, or drawn from experiences not mentioned previously?

Paper For Above instruction

Expectations of Ego Integrity or Ego Despair in Late Adulthood

As individuals approach late adulthood, their reflections on life significantly influence whether they experience a sense of ego integrity or ego despair. According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages, the stage of ego integrity versus despair occurs during late adulthood and involves reflecting on one's life with either a sense of fulfillment or regret (Erikson, 1963). I anticipate that I will strive toward ego integrity, feeling satisfied with the life I have led, provided I am able to reconcile past regrets and accept the aging process.

Factors that may promote a sense of integrity include maintaining positive relationships, achieving personal goals, and fostering a sense of purpose, as suggested by Carstensen et al. (2006). Conversely, experiencing loss, unfulfilled aspirations, or social isolation could lead to feelings of despair (Blazer, 2005). Engaging in lifelong learning, practicing gratitude, and cultivating resilience may increase the likelihood of achieving ego integrity as I age.

Decisions Influencing Coping Strategies

Looking back, I might have made different choices early in life to better prepare for late adulthood. For example, strengthening my social networks and prioritizing meaningful relationships could have buffered against loneliness. Additionally, developing adaptive coping mechanisms such as mindfulness or therapy could have helped me manage stress and negative experiences more effectively. If I had adopted a more optimistic outlook throughout my life, I may now feel a stronger sense of peace and satisfaction.

Personal Obituary and Reflection on Life's Meaning

In imagining my obituary, I envision a life characterized by continuous growth, meaningful relationships, and contributions to my community. Significant others who would remain include close family members, lifelong friends, and mentorship relationships forged over the years. My meaningful moments would include completing my education, building a fulfilling career, traveling to new places, and family milestones such as marriages and the birth of children.

My accomplishments extend beyond professional success to personal growth, such as overcome adversity, volunteer work, and fostering a nurturing environment for loved ones. The reflections gained from this virtual life exercise emphasize the importance of intentional living, resilience, and maintaining social connections for a fulfilling late adulthood.

References

• Blazer, D. G. (2005). Introduction to the special issue on social isolation and loneliness in older adults. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 13(10), 781-782.
• Carstensen, L. L., Isaacowitz, D. M., & Charles, S. T. (2006). Taking time seriously: A theory of socioemotional selectivity. American psychologist, 55(3), 165-181.
• Erikson, E. H. (1963). Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Blazer, D. G. (2003). The social and community context of late-life depression. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 11(4), 481-491.
• Frasure‐Smith, N., & Lespérance, F. (2006). Depression and cardiovascular disease. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 60(1), 41-45.
• Pinquart, M., & Sörensen, S. (2000). Influences of family and other social ties on subjective well-being of older adults: A meta-analysis. Journal of gerontology: Psychological sciences, 55(3), P105-P125.
• Ryff, C. D., & Keyes, C. L. M. (1995). The structure of psychological well-being revisited. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(4), 719-727.
• Levenson, R., & Carstensen, L. (2003). The spectrum of aging. Aging & Mental Health, 7(3), 155-157.
• Schroots, J. J. F., et al. (2005). Development and validation of a social participation measure for older adults. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 41(2), 133-146.
• Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 37(4), 433-440.