Question

Why did erikson emphasize that it's important to study the development that occurs in adulthood and old age?

Answer 1

It is important because the adulthood and old age stage highlighted the relationships and wisdom.The adulthood emphasizes maturity which is very significant to every individual that belongs in this stage because this maturity is the guiding points of caring for the needs of others just like generativity fails it is the one way in helping to establish the next generation. While old age stage defining wisdom that allows an individual to convey and maintain the integrity of one’s lifetime experience despite how the physical body is declining. 

Answer 2

Because Many important developments occur in young adulthood and old age as individuals face new kinds of challenges.
By studying the different approach that people use to face new challenge, we could see if there is some sort of difference in cognitive capabilities  between the young and the old.