ABSTRACT
In Mann's (1985a) view, aging necessitates separation from, and relinquishing ot~ early internalized fantasies of omnipotence and grandiosity. In concrete terms, this involves giving up the notion of unlimited opportunities, unlimited accomplishments, finding the perfect significant other, and so on. Working through the mourning associated with the loss of fantasies and hopes for limitless opportunities is possible only if it is accompanied by changes in the sense of self so that security is no longer dependent on externals and life can be satisfYing as is.
