During this time an individual has reached the last chapter in their life Many people, who have achieved what was important to them, look back on their lives and feel great accomplishment and a sense of integrity. Conversely, those who had a difficult time during middle adulthood may look back and feel a sense of despair. (Wikipedia)
His definition of this stage referred to the 50's and approaching retirement. People at his time of life didn't live as long as they do now. I would interject a new stage of development for the time of retirement called "Re-Purposing vs. Stagnation". I believe the description of integrity vs. despair more accurately describes the very late life stage where one faces ones mortality. If care taking for my Father is any indication you do not want to wait until the end of your life to process all that life stuff you've been ignoring. You definitely do not want to wait until you are suffering some kind of cognitive impairment which makes this task that much more difficult.
Dad is 88 and comes from a generation that included World War II, and being a child of the depression. Success for him was measured by how much stuff he could acquire. Unfortunately, he was never fiscally prudent and in his own words "never really counted the cost of things". Which put another way means his has completely run out of money, is deeply in debt and can't afford to live in the house he and my mother build 25 years ago when they retired. In truth, I don't think they could afford it at any time. They just kept mortgaging and running up a credit debt; then she died 8 years ago, the bottom fell out of the housing market and Dad continued to live way beyond his means. But image is everything - at least to some people.
Which brings me to the swimming pool and the next blog post: Part 2 Integrity vs. Despair and the meaning of swimming pools.
So, unless I am wrong, Part 2 is still "in the wings" and you have been indulging yourself drinking wine with your neighbor and reading Feast of Crows. What's up with that? March 26th and today is May 10th. I will not, I repeat, NOT be put off like this! Either Part 2 is forthcoming or your plants will get it! Or not get it (H2O)as the case may be. Only the hose knows for sure...and it happens to be connected to my condo. So give up the goods doll or "Withering Heights" will be the next novel your exposed to. Bronte? Forgetaboutit! It will be BRUTAL.
ReplyDeleteLol...you obviously didn't read all the post. Part 2 was written on April fools day. Here is the link: http://tiredofbeingnice.blogspot.com/2013/04/part-2-integrity-vs-despair-and-meaning.html
ReplyDeleteSo my friend, you are definitely wrong and my plants now have a reprieve! Hmmm.....never have read Bronte, maybe I should give her a try.