What do the “Mabel Meals” symbolize to family and friends? How are the meals instrumental in obtaining the social support she needs for her happiness?
The tasty meals that Mabel produces are cherished by friends and family, not only because they symbolize her care and love of her garden, but the meals provide a reason for people to gather and share with one another in her presence. Mabel’s meals ensure family as well as neighbors take part in the sharing, creating a sense of community around her (Berk, 2010, p. 616). Furthermore, Mabel is practicing optimal aging as she prepares meals for others where she focuses on building close and valuable relationships through her efforts that are reciprocal, that is, she receives social support in …show more content…
In the event of the death of a spouse, the surviving spouse may lose their only form of social support. In the case of illness, it could be that a spouse is unable to shoulder the responsibility of support due to disabilities or other restrictions they may have. Furthermore, an elderly person may be considered a burden to other family members who care for them, particularly if they suffer from a disease like Alzheimer’s. Berk (2010) asserts that carers of those who suffer with Alzheimer’s dedicate more of their time to care-giving than those who care for people with physical incapacities (p. 587). The added strain that is placed on the care-giver could disrupt the social support they are willing to …show more content…
Additionally, she could consider the experiences of those who may have lived in the old mansion, including the possibility that slave owners may have resided there, for example. Mabel could reflect on the lives of both the slave owners and slaves alike where her knowledge could enhance an understanding of the hardships the slaves encountered and the motivations of the slave owners to deliver insight as to why some choose to disenfranchise others. Furthermore, Mabel could use the knowledge to ensure that she treated whomever she encountered, both at work and in leisurely pursuits, with dignity and respect. Erik Erikson believed that late adulthood is a period in which people reconcile with the various trajectories their lives have taken. For some, the process promotes a sense of satisfaction and fullness in their life achievements as they reflect on their relationships, work endeavors and their community contribution (Berk, 2010, p. 604). Erikson termed the challenge between satisfaction in one’s life, and a feeling of hopelessness and despair over not making the right decisions in life, and realizing they have run out of time, as part of the psychosocial stage of development: ego integrity versus despair. It is the building of a better understanding of herself that will
The tasty meals that Mabel produces are cherished by friends and family, not only because they symbolize her care and love of her garden, but the meals provide a reason for people to gather and share with one another in her presence. Mabel’s meals ensure family as well as neighbors take part in the sharing, creating a sense of community around her (Berk, 2010, p. 616). Furthermore, Mabel is practicing optimal aging as she prepares meals for others where she focuses on building close and valuable relationships through her efforts that are reciprocal, that is, she receives social support in …show more content…
In the event of the death of a spouse, the surviving spouse may lose their only form of social support. In the case of illness, it could be that a spouse is unable to shoulder the responsibility of support due to disabilities or other restrictions they may have. Furthermore, an elderly person may be considered a burden to other family members who care for them, particularly if they suffer from a disease like Alzheimer’s. Berk (2010) asserts that carers of those who suffer with Alzheimer’s dedicate more of their time to care-giving than those who care for people with physical incapacities (p. 587). The added strain that is placed on the care-giver could disrupt the social support they are willing to …show more content…
Additionally, she could consider the experiences of those who may have lived in the old mansion, including the possibility that slave owners may have resided there, for example. Mabel could reflect on the lives of both the slave owners and slaves alike where her knowledge could enhance an understanding of the hardships the slaves encountered and the motivations of the slave owners to deliver insight as to why some choose to disenfranchise others. Furthermore, Mabel could use the knowledge to ensure that she treated whomever she encountered, both at work and in leisurely pursuits, with dignity and respect. Erik Erikson believed that late adulthood is a period in which people reconcile with the various trajectories their lives have taken. For some, the process promotes a sense of satisfaction and fullness in their life achievements as they reflect on their relationships, work endeavors and their community contribution (Berk, 2010, p. 604). Erikson termed the challenge between satisfaction in one’s life, and a feeling of hopelessness and despair over not making the right decisions in life, and realizing they have run out of time, as part of the psychosocial stage of development: ego integrity versus despair. It is the building of a better understanding of herself that will