Anti-Aging Information

Back in 1959, Erik Erikson, sometimes considered the father of the humanist school of psychology, stated that humanity's task "is to validate existence by seeing the past as meaningful." He argued that "the central dilemma for the aged is achieving integrity, a task that involves reconciliation to the personal past."

It is important to accept what life is all about, Erikson said, as well as to understand the people who are significant to us, without unrealistic wishes or regrets. For example, "It thus means a new and different love for one's parents, free of the wish that they should have been different and an acceptance of the fact that one's life is one's own responsibility."

As it turns out, guys in their forties do plenty of introspection compared with those in their sixties or beyond, who have often done all the life review they need. In a sense, then, older individuals may well already have achieved peace on their journey. Another interesting finding is that the elderly create myths to dramatize their past. Lieberman and Tobin propose that "those who have resolved such a life review are more likely to experience equanimity, a sense of peace, and optimism about their future." Allowing