FAMILIES GROW OLDER Chapter 19

Journal  Read the life sketch on p. 429  On your own paper, answer these questions:  Does Vi’s day sound like a normal day for a retired person? Why do you think Vi keeps herself so busy?  How does this couple’s community involvement help them continue growing as persons?  What is the benefit of Vi and Walter taking a bus versus driving to the Ozarks? Besides traveling by bus or train, what other changes in normal patterns of behavior are common for elderly people?

Families Grow Older  As families grow older their lives continue to change  The family network expands as parents become grandparents  Members must begin to accept death as a reality of life  Preparation for death can help family and friends handle their grief and adjust to the loss

Middlescence  Between the ages of 35-40, most adults begin to notice the first physical signs of aging  Middlescence- the middle aged years between the ages of  Many adults look back through this time and question their purposes and goals for living

Change in Middlescence  Changes:  Parental relationships change  Working adults reach the peaks of their careers  Reminders that time is passing  Children get married  Parents have more time for their relationship and interests  Loss of some self care abilities  Self esteem may drop  Evaluate life goals  Establish closer relationships with adult children

Midlife Crisis  Some adults have problems dealing with these changes  Midlife crisis is brought on by the stress of the changes  Some adults try to regain their youthfulness  Some adults blame others for their loss of youthfulness  Most adults are able to walk through the questioning without a midlife crisis

Grandparenting  Most families look forward to welcoming new babies to the extended family  Grandparents often times help the new parents with changes that take place  Grandparents can be important in the lives of children  Grandparents give focused attention to the children  Sometimes grandparents provide childcare  Grandparents help keep family traditions alive  Sometimes grandparents provide financial assistance

Benefits of Grandparenting  Most grandparents enjoy the role  The relationship can be rewarding  This relationship helps the grandparent feel needed  Grandparenting also provides a feeling of satisfaction

Retirement  Retirement- the ending of paid employment  Most people cant wait to retire, but as the time nears the feelings sometimes change  To men, the loss of a job often equals a loss of part of their identity  Changes in life:  Development of a hobby or interest  Financial changes  Doing things together often make the social adjustment easier

Planning an Active Retirement  Volunteering  Learning New Skills  Returning to Work  Positive Attitude  Diet and Exercise

Planning for Financial Needs  Paychecks stop at retirement, but living costs continue  Federal programs:  Social security  Medicare  Pensions- funds paid through the former employer  Retirement Accounts

Physical Health  The average lifespan in the United States for 2010 was 78.5