8. Ego Integrity vs Despair (65+ Years)

• Key Activity: Life review, reflection on achievements, acceptance of mortality.
• Virtue: Wisdom.
• Negative Outcome: Persistent despair and regret can lead to depression or hopelessness.

In late adulthood, people reflect on their lives and accomplishments. If they view their experiences as meaningful, they achieve ego integrity (a sense of satisfaction and readiness to face life’s end). Those who feel they’ve fallen short may experience despair, marked by regret, bitterness, or fear of death.