THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY FOR THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STATUS OF A PERSON IN OLD AGE

• Main Author: Teodor GERGOV
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: “Francisc I. Rainer” Anthropology Institute of the Romanian Academy. 2020-08-01
• Series: Anthropological Researches and Studies
• Subjects: emotional balance; family; family environment; old age; psychological functioning.
• Online Access: https://www.journalstudiesanthropology.ro/en/the-role-of-the-family-for-the-psychological-status-of-a-person-in-old-age/a146/

Objectives. This article aims to research the influence of the family on some basic psychological phenomena in old age, its ability to influence, stabilize and delay the psychological changes typical of old age. To this end, a number of research papers on this issue were checked, all being elaborated by authors working on such topics. Material and methods. An extensive analysis of the literary sources on this topic from the last few years has been made. Articles, papers and books showing the role of the family for the psychological functioning of old people have been checked by hand. A search on keywords and phrases in the specialised databases was done. Results. The analysis that was done showed some already expected tendencies. During the various stages of human life there are different relationships that predominate. When it comes to old age, these are companionship, care for the other, sharing, spiritual communication, etc. The family proves to be the main source of communication for the elders. The old person can most fully develop his repertoire of roles in it, and can optimally satisfy both his basic and higher order needs. Conclusions. The family has a unique role for the psychological functioning of the aging people. Attention, respect and warmth are needed for being calm in elderly people. Taking care of the old person is an expression of care and faithfulness, and being around them really matters for them and contributes to their psychological balance.