Stage 7 is the longest of Erikson’s stages, and it is so because it is considered to be the longest part of the individual’s life. Stage 7, the longest stage, is the part when the individual is working and contributing to society in some way and most people also have and raise children in this stage. Stage 7 may often be marked by problems if the person is not able to find proper ways to be productive during this period which is what leads to feelings of stagnation.