The Importance Of Family Care For Aging Parents

The article “Fifty plus: aging parents” written by Linda R. Jones demonstrates the importance of family care for the elderly, despite how hard it is to see loved ones in a poor state (Jones, 2016). The aging of a parent seems like it occurs quite suddenly, and often many children are not prepared to reciprocate the lifetime of care they have been given back to their parents (Jones, 2016). This requires the dedication of time, money, and most importantly effort by all involved family members and at times, it may be hard to find common ground between family members with respect to appropriate care for aging parents (Jones, 2016). I agree with the opinions expressed in this article as it is our duty to provide the care and support we received …show more content…
It is commonly seen in these areas that different groups of people provide a different level of care for their loved ones, and the older persons typically have a preference with respect to who provides these variations in support (Rittirong et al, 2014). Three factors influence whom the elderly may select as their support: gender, distance and personal relationship with kin (Rittirong et al, 2014). It is noted that many elders do not want to bother those whom they have a more distant relationship with, and will typically select their daughters as they feel they care for them as filial duties (Rittirong et al, 2014). Elderly in many cultures will rely on their children to care for them in their old age as a sign of respect and as it is seen as one’s duty. This contrasts with the article as it encourages readers to take care of elderly parents and family members out of the goodness of one’s own heart, not because you feel it is your …show more content…
In an attempt to combat this and increase psychological well-being, parents will move in with a child and receive direct support (Takagi & Saito, 2013). Often times, parents will spend this time with their children, enabling them to open up to them and discuss uncertainties and plans for the future (Takagi & Saito, 2013). This enables the bond between parents and their children to strengthen and provides insight into the role that family care will play with respect to aging parents. There is a strong correlation between widowhood and care and support provided by children later in life (Takagi & Saito, 2013). I believe this connection is due to the way in which children feel responsible for the care of parents and both parents and children depend on each other due to this loss of