Family is something that each of us have, whether or not we associate with them, rely on them, or claim them is another story; but the size, structure, and ever changing family dynamic do affect each member of the family, perhaps, most importantly the elderly family members. "Transitions lead to changed perceptions of one's identity, to new ways of behaving, and to shifts in interdependence with kin and community" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 151). This meaning that the constant change in the family structure, also leads to personal change, as well as a change in society.
This chapter has stressed how important family members are to an aging individual. I want to pay particular close attention to this topic as it pertains to sibling relationships. Hillier and Barrow (2011) discuss that siblings are often the longest lasting relationship in an individuals life, this makes sense for multiple reasons. "Bonds between siblings typically extend throughout life and are reported to be second only to mother-child ties in intensity and complexity" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 152). Siblings are often close in age, which means they are present to experience the ups and downs of both family and social issues throughout a lifetime at the same pace as their brothers and/or sisters.
As we age, those of us that are fortunate enough to have living siblings can share many aspects of the aging process with them, since we experience this phenomenon at roughly the same time. The text discusses that the greatest times of interest and involvement between siblings in life is generally during youth and old age (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 155). As older adults, siblings are able to share between them, memories, a common background and lifestyle, as well as a sense of emotional support and closeness; where as elderly adults that were only-children have no one to share their entire life's timeline with and lack that sense of emotional support. This chapter brought to my attention the importance of siblings as an individual enters the "old population", just like other aspects pertaining to healthy aging, this issue needs to be addressed now, at a younger age when couples are starting families and having children. It is important for the current young-adult population to think about their own kids' aging experience and how their decisions now about giving them siblings will affect them later in life.
Hillier, S., & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. (9th ed., pp. 3-28). California: WADSWORTH.
I agree with this chapter and found it very interesting as well. Although siblings do have the longest relationships with other siblings I believe we choose favorites or at least in my case I did. I have 4 brothers, but I am only close to 2 brothers. The chapter said that as we age siblings keep more in contact and for those two brothers that I am close to it is true. One of those brothers is 23 and the other is 8. The 23 year old does not live at home and does not come often since he has two children and a wife to take care of, but we keep in contact throughout the week. My little brother is attached to me so we have a strong bond as well. All of my siblings may not have a strong bond, but we know that when something is wrong we will all be there for each other.
ReplyDeleteFlor i too found this chapter interesting as well, i truly had know idea that my siblings would be the longest relationship i have. Hillier & Barrow states " The relationship with siblings, solid or shaky, is likely to be the longest relationship in an individual's life".(p 114). Secondly they states " family and friendship connections take on a special significance when it becomes clear that they might not be in our life throughtou all our life.(p 114). However this was a eye opening for me.
DeleteI like how you mentioned the importance of family members to an aging individual. When my grandpa was getting old and slowly dying from cancer, it was very important to him to have us around him at all times. He said that it made him happier and made it easier for him to go when it was his time. My grandmother who is now a widow loves when we are around. She cannot stand not seeing us for long periods of time. I think that for someone who is aging, they are realizing just how important life and family really are, and as the younger generation gets older I think they start to realize it as well. I also agree with how siblings become closer over time. This is so true to me and my sisiter. We are so close now that I have gone to college that we are practically best friends. We continue to get closer with every day that goes by and I hope that continues. Thank you for sharing this information.
ReplyDeleteTori i understand my mother would not pass until all her children where there, once they where there she passed a short time later. I never thought of a love one not being there or a sibling. The authors writes " many kin relationships last much longer now than they did in pas generations."(p 114). Chapter 5 & 6 are truly a chapter everone needs to know or have in there life, this would have made mother transition alot easy for her children, grandchildren, family and friends.
DeleteNow i value the relationship more now thanks to Hillier & Barrow.