Class 12 - Middle and Older Adult: Relationships

Question 1

What do relationships look like in middle adulthood? (2)

Answer 1

• marital stability and satisfaction increase mid-life
• skilled diplomacy

Question 2

What is skilled diplomacy? (2)

Answer 2

• A problem-solving approach that involves the confrontation of the spouse about an issue, followed by a period during which the confrontation works to restore harmony
• Appears to be an effective skills for marital problem-solving no matter which spouse uses it

Question 3

What do relationships look like in late adulthood? (3)

Answer 3

• marital satisfaction is higher in the late years
• Higher levels of pleasure and lower levels of conflict are reported
• Rates of remarriage are higher for older men, widowed or divorced
• Married older adults have higher life satisfaction, better health, and lower rates of depression

Question 4

True or false: Almost half of Canadian adults become grandparents by the end of middle adulthood (age 65)

Answer 4

true

Question 5

Grandparents are an especially important source of stability in the lives of children of divorced parents. What are the 3 grandparenting styles?

Answer 5

1. Companionate (not involved in everyday care. ie. sunday dinner) - most common
2. Remote
3. Involved (involved in everyday care)

Question 6

What do family relationships look like in late adulthood? (2, 5)

Answer 6

1. Contact w/ adult children
   - interactions are social and functional
2. Effects of relationships with Adult children
   - good relationships and regular contact can add to elderly adult’s quality of life, but are not necessary for it
   - relationship with children involve roles and expectations that may add stress to the senior’s life

Question 7

What do grandchildren and sibling relationships look like in late adulthood?

Answer 7

interactions between grandchildren and grandparents are beneficial to both

Question 8

What are the subgroups and their respective ages in late adulthood?

Answer 8

1. Young-old (60-75)
2. Old-old (75 to 85)
3. Oldest-old (85+, fastest growing group)

Question 9

What is the life expectancy of late adults? (2)

Answer 9

• The gender gap for life expectancy has been narrowing, with women expected to live only 4 years longer
• in adulthood, the odds of dying increase exponentially each year