As a result, some people tend to ignore or shun older people with drinking problems. Let them enjoy the time they have left. At the same time, therapists may be reluctant to work with older alcoholics because of unrecognizable counter-transference issues, i.e., the elderly client triggers the counselor's own fears about aging. However, those who study the science of aging understand that these myths, assumptions and stereotypes are unfounded and often harm elderly individuals who can benefit from treatment. Aging doesn't have to be a time of loneliness and desperation.
Many people find happiness and even adventure in their later years.
Those who age successfully tend to have a strong sense of life satisfaction, high self-esteem and positive morals. Older persons who achieve a sense of ego integrity are able to look back on their lives with a sense of satisfaction. Older persons who look back with regret and believe that it is too late to make significant changes may experience a sense of despair and depression. To age successfully is to be able to adjust to the loss of a spouse and other significant individuals, adjust to retirement and reduced income, accept and deal with declining health and establish satisfactory living arrangements. Unfortunately, not everyone ages successfully.