Article Review/Family in Later Life - Essay Example

Source: Dorfman, L.T. (2002). Retirement and family relationships: An opportunity in later life. Generations, 26 (2), 74+. Methods: Personal interview or live interaction with retirees is the fundamental basis of the article. With the help of published secondary sources (books, journals, case studies etc.) and the author’s previous research about the life in retirement, the outcome of the interviews was supported and proven to have an academic explanation. Summary A general view of the life in the retirement years is the chance to fulfill the desired activities which a person failed to do when he was preoccupied with paid work.

Through the remaining “social convoy” of the retirees, they are able to establish renewed and new found relationships in which they exercise social relations. Marital relationships which have persisted up to the retirement years of the couple are a success, if looking into the modern trend of marriage and long term relationships. Old age and retirement for older couples are an opportunity for them to rediscover their spouse for the things which they failed to recognize during their working years.

Retirement impacts the house life of each couple, with the women who get easily acquainted. Retirement years can be a bonding-time for the retired couple, however, unexpected circumstances, like severe illness of the partner can change the way this phase is planned. However, it can also be a chance for the other partner to show care and administer responsibility even in old age. Another fact that seems to be synonymous with old age and retirement is the strengthening of children, grandchildren and other kins relationships with the elderly.

Retirement offers opportunities for the elderly to make contact with grandchildren more frequently and consequently establishing a more fruitful relationship with them. This phase also provided the retirees a new job of child care through their children’s children. Close proximity of the retirees to their loved ones is expected to be a factor of stronger family ties in the later life. Especially in the part of family relationships, retirees need to adjust with the changes in relationship patterns and activities associated with old age.

In helping them to cope with these changes, early knowledge and orientation about the possible changes in their later life should be done. Creating options of activities to do in the retirement years can be helpful in debunking the myth of the elderly as passive groups in the society. Analysis Dorfman’s (2002) article is basically a discussion of the relationship with the older people with their social convoy. The article is divided into two parts: the relationship of the retirees to their spouse and their relationship with the rest of their social convoy.

However it is divided, the bottom line that the article expresses is the changing roles in the lives of the elderly and how true is the notion that old people are generally a burden for the younger generation. It is true that older people, especially in the early years of their retirement is a period of mandatory social adjustments because of inevitable events such as the decision to retire and changes in family patterns. Chambers, Allan, and Phillipson (2009) summarize this thought by saying that family in later life “[is] more fluid and thus less predictable.

It is also a time when the couple will have to be more accustomed with the role of being a “partner” rather than an “intimate partner’ due to the lessen sexual excitement in the old age. Practical roles have to be portrayed by the couple for each other like being useful in the household. Conclusion The journey of the older people to successful retirement years depends on the circumstances and how the people involved cope with it. An elderly’s social network is essential in helping him cope with the sudden or gradual changes that can occur in his life.

The existence of a spouse is helpful, but is not an assurance of having healthy retirement years. What is more important is a firsthand acceptance of these changes and being able to maintain a positive outlook amid inferiorities associated with old age. Part II The article offers an informative and realistic approach to make readers understand the essentials of relationships in the later life. Through interviews and ideas from people who have firsthand experience of the matter, the core idea is established and consequently promotes a better understanding of the elders.

I think that the author uses accurate and reliable evidences to support her claim, which is entirely helpful in the article. Furthermore, the author is also balanced in her claim and does not have impartial judgments in either sides of the issue. However, the support may not be enough to really conclude that such claim is true in all cases. References Chambers, P., Allan, G. & Phillipson, C. (2009). Family practices in later life. UK: The Policy Press. Dorfman, L.T. (2002). Retirement and family relationships: An opportunity in later life.

Generations, 26 (2), 74+.