ABSTRACT
When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twentyone, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.
Mark Twain, Atlantic Monthly, 1874
INTRODUCTION
Adolescence had previously been considered the final stage for the consolidation of an individual’s psychological development; but today, it is recognized that developmental and psychological changes continue in the adult personality even into late adulthood. This chapter discusses the latter part of the life cycle, from the twenties through midlife into late adulthood. Although characteristics and tasks of each life stage are presented, it is with the understanding that considerable variation exists as to when and how people go through these stages.
