Continuing Erikson’s work was Robert Peck, a psychologist who theorized on the second half of life. He suggested that personality development in older adults faces three challenges.

The first challenge focuses on the definition of self versus a preoccupation with work roles. People who mainly defined themselves through their career must now redefine themselves in other ways. After retirement, older adults can struggle to find new meaning and structure while exploring other interests outside of work.

The second challenge is body transcendence versus body preoccupation. As we age, physical abilities decline. That period of adjustment can be difficult in which people must learn to cope and move beyond physical challenges. If one reaches body transcendence, a person has accepted the limitations of aging and found happiness by focusing on mental and social activities. In turn, a senior’s preoccupation with their body will cause them unhappiness and hinder personality development.

The third challenge is similar to Erikson’s last stage of life. The elderly must come to terms with their approaching death. A person reaches “ego transcendence” if he or she believes their life has worth and their legacy will live on after death. By changing the focus to the well-being of others, one can avoid feeling like he or she lived a useless life (“ego preoccupation”).

Peck’s underlying theme is self-examination. Age and maturity brings change. The ability to adjust to life’s changes determines one’s happiness and development. While Peck’s theory focuses on older adults, people of all ages will reach full development if they can learn to accept the many twists and turns of life.