Question

1. Maria’s sisters have died, as have most of her closest friends. At age 78, Maria has left her house, her neighborhood, and her church activities and moved to another state in order to live close to her oldest son and his family. Describe some of the effects this move might have on Maria’s personal relationships. What are some of the risks that will be involved if Maria does not have the ability or the opportunity to make new friends?

2. Take a look at your life currently and list all of the important friendships, family relationships, and any other people who you considers to be in your social-support system. From that list who do you expect to be in your social convoy when you reach 80 years of age and explain how social relationships are important in late adulthood.

Answer 1

1. The effects this move might have on Maria’s personal relationships are that; she might lose some of her close friends and her socialization might suffer. Some of the risks that will be involved; if Maria does not have the ability or the opportunity to make new friends are; she might suffer from loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

2. People whom I expect to be in my social convoy when I reach 80 years of age are; my close i.e. immediate family members i.e. my husband, children, sibling and close friends who are my comfort zone. Social relationships are important in late adulthood as they provide emotional support; which is very good for reducing the stress in life. Hence it is good for health. According to Carstensen’s socioemotional selectivity theory; older adults prune their social networks selectively so that they maintain only those relationships that support emotional well-being (Carstensen, Isaacowitz, and Charles, 1999). The social network is also important to help in case of an emergency and need; like a visit to a doctor etc.

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