Elderly, Loss and Grief
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Familial and Intergenerational Relationships
In the episode The Arrangements (J), Betty's father, Gene, who moved in with the Drapers, spends time with Sally and Bobby. Different relationships are essential in adult years, and for Gene, his relationship with his family is very important. According to Leslie Nussle's presentation Interpersonal Communication Throughout Life: Elderly, Loss and Grief, "family, in most cases, is by far the most significant relationship (23)." He moved in with the Drapers so they could take care of him after he got sick and his wife left him. Gene comes home one day to discuss the arrangements he would like to be made after his death. He tries talking about his funeral and his will, but Betty calls him selfish and morbid and asks him to keep it to himself. It is hard for her to think about her only parent left dying.
The intergenerational relationship with his grandchildren is seen with the variety of activities he does with Sally and Bobby. Gene drives the kids to school, eats ice cream with them, and tells them stories about his past. He tells Sally that she can do great things, no matter what her mother says. In many ways, he parents Sally and Bobby more than Don and Betty. His relationship with Sally is especially important, and she is distraught when he dies. The video at left shows just how important Sally's relationship with her grandfather was to her. (Video: see Notes, x) |
Changes in Stage of Life
One of the changes experienced by many elders is their children moving away. There may be a conflict in autonomy in which parents are too concerned about the affairs of their adult children. In this episode, Peggy visits her mother to tell her that she wants to move to Manhattan to be closer to work. Her mother's television has not been working, so she buys her a new one to soften the blow of her news.
Peggy explains that she has been having problems with her apartment and her commute is too long. Mrs. Olson assumes that she would like to move back in with her, saying that she and her husband lived with her own parents for years. Peggy tells her that she is moving to Manhattan and Mrs. Olson does not take kindly to the idea. She is insulted that Peggy bought her a television to distract her from the news. Mrs. Olson tells her daughters that someday they will feel the broken heart that she feels from Peggy leaving. She accuses Peggy of moving for a man, but is really afraid of losing parental control. According to Leslie Nussle's presentation Interpersonal Communication Throughout Life: Elderly, Loss and Grief, "when their suggestions are not followed they may feel they are no longer being respected (23)." (Photo: see Notes, y) For more information on references; see Notes. |