Have you prepared these very important questions from Unit 17 for IGNOU MSCCFT MCFT001 Exam? Don't miss this chance to score good marks - get started!

Unit 17 Families with Middle-aged Parents and Ageing Family Members

1. What is the family life cycle?

The time period from the beginning of a family with marriage, through the time the couple has children, the time they are alone again when the children leave home, until the death of one or both partners is called the family life cycle.

2. How are midlife families described?

The midlife is also called ‘launching centre’, ‘post parental’ or ‘empty nest’.

3. Name any two global changes affecting family.

Two global changes affecting the family are change in fertility pattern and employment of women outside home.

4. What are the major changes in Indian families?

Some major changes in Indian families are nuclearisation, changed roles of women and changed parenting practice

5. Fill in the blanks:

• Longevity and small families lead to verticalisation of the family in old age.
• The male equivalent of menopause is andropause
• Accepting the dependency needs of ageing parents is called filial maturity
• A family from which young adults have left is called empty nest or launching family
• Marital satisfaction is lowest during middle age
• The stage when individuals become grandparents is known as grandparenthood
• According to Jung, healthy development leads to individuation in midlife.
• b) In Erikson’s theory, the crisis of midlife is generativity versus stagnation.
• The virtue that emerges during old age is wisdom.
• The first ashram in Hindu life cycle is brahmacharya

6. Name some factors leading to successful ageing.

The factors leading to successful ageing are absence of disability, activity, cognitive fitness, objective social support and self-rated life satisfaction in eight domains, namely marriage, income related work, children, friendship and social contacts, hobbies, service activities, religion and recreation or sports.

7. Who proposed:

• Disengagement: Cumming & Henry
• Activity: Havighurst
• Continuity: Atchley

8. What are the main characteristics of resilient families?

The main characteristics of resilient families are:

• commitment,
• focusing on positive and good qualities of members,
• free flow of communication,
• shared interest,
• respect,
• concern,
• desire to spend time together and
• a strong value system.

9. What are the alternative types of living arrangements for aged people?

The alternative types of living arrangements for aged people are:

• assisted living facilities,
• senior apartment complexes,
• group housing options,
• retirement communities,
• shared housing, and congregate housing
• foster care and
• nursing homes.

10. Name the stages in facing death as given by Elisabeth Kubler Ross.

According to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross the stages in facing death are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

11. Define the following:

• Ageism: can be defined as discrimination based on age.
• Generation gap: is the differences in attitudes, values and lifestyle of different age groups.
• Burnout: is defined as exhaustion caused by excessive and unrelieved stress.

12. Why is gerontological counselling necessary?

Gerontological counselling is necessary for various reasons such as to prevent elder abuse, to help caregivers, to improve intergenerational relations and to promote positive ageing.

13. Discuss the theories of ageing by giving examples you see around in day-to-day life.

Three main psychosocial theories of ageing:

• Disengagement Theory: This theory, proposed by Cumming and Henry, suggests that as people age, they naturally withdraw from social roles and relationships. This is seen as a normal and mutual process where society also disengages from older individuals. For example, a person who retires from work and spends less time in social settings might be seen as an example of disengagement. However, this theory is considered to be controversial, as many older people do not want to disengage from social life.
• Activity Theory: This theory, developed by Havighurst, argues that successful ageing involves maintaining activity and social engagement as long as possible. For example, an elderly person who continues to participate in hobbies, volunteer work, or social groups could be seen as an example of activity theory in practice. This theory implies that staying active and involved contributes to higher life satisfaction.
• Continuity Theory: This theory, suggested by Atchley, proposes that older adults maintain their personality, values, and behaviours as they age. It emphasizes that individuals cope better with ageing by keeping their established patterns and lifestyles. For example, a person who has always enjoyed reading might continue to do so in old age. This theory highlights the importance of internal consistency and predictability in the ageing process. These theories provide different ways to understand how individuals can adapt and thrive in later life.

14. What are the major issues of middle age and ageing adults?

Middle Age Issues:

• Physiological Changes: Midlife brings about changes such as menopause in women and andropause in men, which can impact their physical and emotional health.
• Re-evaluation: Individuals in midlife may re-evaluate their values, beliefs, and life goals.
• Empty Nest: Parents may experience feelings of loss or loneliness when their children leave home.
• Career Adjustments: Midlife can be a time of career stagnation, job loss, or a desire for change.
• Marital Relationships: Marital relationships may require renegotiation and adjustment.
• Caring for Ageing Parents: Middle-aged adults may have the responsibility of caring for their own ageing parents.

Ageing Adult Issues:

• Health Problems: Ageing often brings health issues such as chronic illnesses, mobility limitations, and cognitive decline.
• Retirement: Adjusting to retirement, including a loss of identity associated with work, and a decreased income can be challenging.
• Widowhood: Loss of a spouse and adapting to life alone can be a major source of stress and grief.
• Grandparenthood: Adjusting to the role of grandparent and the associated responsibilities.
• Social Isolation: Reduced social interactions can lead to loneliness and depression.
• Abuse and Neglect: Older adults may face neglect and abuse, both within and outside their families.
• Financial Difficulties: Older adults may face financial insecurity due to decreased income, or increased living and medical costs.

15. How can one help a person who is facing problems due to ageing?

The various strategies for supporting individuals facing challenges related to ageing:

• Reminiscence and Life Review: Encouraging older adults to reflect on past events can help them reinterpret their lives and find new meaning.
• Validation Therapy: In cases of dementia, validating the feelings and needs behind the distorted perceptions of a confused individual is helpful.
• Training and Mentoring: Providing opportunities for older adults to mentor or volunteer can offer a sense of purpose and contribute to their overall well-being.
• Cognitive Retraining: Helping individuals with cognitive decline to improve their cognitive functioning.
• Support Groups: Creating opportunities to interact with people who have similar experiences to address social isolation and provide peer support.
• Geriatric Counselling: Providing specialist counselling can help individuals and families address the unique challenges of ageing.
• Caring Support: Provide both emotional and practical support for ageing family members, which may also include assisting them to access resources and care services.

16. Discuss the importance of geriatric counselling.

Geriatric counselling plays a crucial role in supporting older adults, their families and caregivers. The source material highlights several key reasons for its importance:

• Addressing Psychosocial Issues: Geriatric counselling helps older adults deal with issues such as grief, loss, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and the impact of health conditions.
• Preventing Elder Abuse: It can help address and prevent situations of abuse and neglect.
• Supporting Caregivers: It provides resources and strategies for families and individuals taking care of ageing family members, helping to minimise caregiver burnout.
• Improving Intergenerational Relations: Counselling can improve understanding and communication between family members, reducing conflicts.
• Promoting Positive Ageing: Geriatric counselling can help older adults adapt to the changes of ageing, and enhance their quality of life and well-being.
• Managing Transitions: Helping older adults navigate transitions such as retirement, widowhood, and relocation.