Which is a Stage 8 developmental task?

• A. Expanding Caring Relationships
• B. Managing a Career
• C. Developing a Sense of Identity
• D. Accepting Death

Answer: (B)

Stage 8 developmental task centers on maintaining meaning through work and planning for the future, so managing a career fits as the core focus. In late life, staying engaged in work or carefully transitioning roles—whether continuing, scaling back, mentoring, or preparing for retirement—helps preserve identity, purpose, and social connections. It also supports a sense of competence and generativity by leaving a useful contribution and guiding others. The other options touch on related themes but aren’t the primary late-life task: expanding caring relationships is more aligned with earlier adult years and family roles; developing a sense of identity is strongest in adolescence and young adulthood; accepting death relates to mortality and existential reflection rather than the central career-focused task of Stage 8.