This longitudinal case study from a Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) perspective touches upon an under-researched issue: L1 development over the lifespan. Levinson (1978) predicts three stages in adulthood: early, mid and late, with a decline in late adulthood. We examine Diane Larsen-Freeman's publications over a period of 50 years (from age…

Evaluated novels written in old age by two contemporary British novelists, Barbara Pym and Penelope Mortimer, which revealed their late style was related to lifelong methods of adapting to changes in their situation. Found strength and direction of their creativity in old age fluctuated in response to their aging bodies and their new roles in…

A study of Charlotte Zolotow's life and the themes of her children's books provides an illustration of the usefulness and problems in the application of theories of adult development, especially as they apply to women. This report of the study contains (1) discussions of Erik Erikson's and Daniel Levinson's theories of adult development; (2) a…