The aging process according to Erik Erickson is better explained through ego integrity than desperation. When you understand the stages it is a little easier to understand why you would engage in substance abuse rather than process and gain confidence in your life. Often those in the despair stage feel panic that their life is coming to an end and they may be dissatisfied with the life they have been living. Others who are in the area of ​​integrity are on good terms with the life they live and often do not regret what they have or have not done. This is a healthier outlook on life and those in this stage according to Erikson are typically healthier and happier individuals. The individual experiencing despair may feel that death is frightening, hypercritical of others, and disengaged. They often feel as if their life has been wasted and have an extremely negative outlook. When an individual has ego integrity, the person can appear wise and happy with themselves, this is often the ideal outcome. Another factor to evaluate is the stress related to living arrangements and possibly having your children as your primary caregivers. Given the cost of nursing homes and the current state of the economy, it is more common for children to care for the elderly. Marks, Lambert, and Choi (2002) summarized: “most studies have concluded that caregiving is associated with an increased sense of burden and psychological distress.” This idea comes from the workload that healthcare workers are under, for example, buying extra groceries, bathing, and perhaps visits to the doctor's office. This causes older adults to feel as if they are a burden on society or even overwhelmed… middle of paper… adsworth.Levin, S., & Kruger, J.D. (2004). Substance abuse among older adults: Clinicians' guidance. (DHHS Publication No. (SMA) (04-3937). Substance Abuse and mental Health Service Administration. Rockville, MD. Marks, NF, Lambert, J.D., & Chaoi,. H. (2002). Caregiving transitions, gender, and Psychological well-being: A US national prospective study. Journal of marriage and family, 64. 657-667.Menninger, JA (2002) Assessment and treatment of alcoholism. and substance-related disorders in older adults, 66, 166-183 Oscar-Berman, M., & Marinkovic, K. (2003) Alcoholism and the brain: an overview of alcohol, research and health, 27(2), 125. -123 United Nations on Aging, 2002. Document adopted at the Second World Assembly on Aging, Madrid, April 2002. http://www.globalaging.org/resources