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Aging As Development Human life is a process. A number of psychologists have attempted to identify the particular tasks that must be accomplished at each stage of development. Successful completion of tasks at one stage means that the individual normally proceeds to the next stage and a few set of tasks. It is not always recognized, however, that there are new tasks for the aged1 as well as for those who are younger. Aging, in other words, is a new stage in the developmental process of life. What are the developmental tasks faced by the aged? Some tasks are similar to those of other age groups, and some are peculiar to the elderly. In the nineteenth century, for instance, most men had no transition to retirement. Typically, a man worked until disability or death. Few people had to deal with the empty nest2 problem, since children either did not leave the family house or returned there to live with their elderly parents. Today, when an increasing number of people are living into their seventies and eighties, there are at least five developmental tasks facing the elderly. First, the aged must come to terms with3 the physical limitations inherent in4 their stage of life. They will no longer be able to engage in certain activities as often or as successfully as they once could. Second, having come to terms with the limitations, the older person must redefine the scope of his or her activities. Third, the older person must find new sources for satisfying his or her needs. This may be particularly acute at the time of retirement for those who hold to the work ethic. | 
