Final answer:
Erik Erikson proposed that in late adulthood, individuals experience a stage called integrity versus despair, where they assess their lives and may either feel a sense of satisfaction or a lack of purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erik Erikson proposed that at this stage of life, people discover a sense of contributing to the world, usually through family and work, or else they may feel a lack of purpose. This stage is called integrity versus despair, which is a part of Erikson's psychosocial theory of development.
In late adulthood, individuals reflect on their lives and assess whether they feel a sense of satisfaction or failure. Those who feel proud of their accomplishments experience a sense of integrity, while those who are not successful may feel as if their life has been wasted, leading to feelings of bitterness, depression, and despair.