ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the continuity of the personality and of unconscious conflict throughout the life cycle. It also considers the adult modifications of the personality during the ageing process, and that continuity and change coexist often with mutual influence. The chapter discusses the older phases of the life cycle, beginning with a review of some of the later facets of the life history and study of the Wolf Man. It presents two clinical vignettes, illustrating both neurotic repetition and personality modification in the transition from late middle age to early old age. It is important to emphasize that there is no standard chronological or psychological definition of the terms "old" or "elderly". The term "adult development" was somewhat ambiguous—not linked to biological maturation and not clearly differentiated from alteration or modification of the personality and its components. Changes in later life were noted but were usually attributed to the regression and revival of antecedent conflicts and phases of development.
