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Siblings in Old Age: Something Special

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Deborah T. Gold
Deborah T. Gold
Affiliation:
Duke University Medical Centre
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Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a qualitative examination of sibling relationships in old age. Interviews with sixty people over the age of sixty-five revealed that interactions with sisters and brothers took on new meaning in late life. A shared history of lifetime experiences made the sibling relationship unique in social networks in old age. Those who had positive relationships with siblings found that interactions decreased feelings of loneliness, provided emotional support and validation of earlier life experiences, and built feelings of closeness and sibling solidarity. Even those who had negative sibling relationships indicated a shift in feelings. The intensity of feeling about siblings in old age suggests that further study of the later-life sibling bond might increase understanding of ways in which the social and emotional needs of older people can be met. Interviews provided an effective method for gathering rich data about these complex social and emotional interactions.

Résumé

Cet article présente les conclusions d'un examen qualitatif sur la fratrie chez les personnes du troisième âge. Les données, provenant de 60 entrevues menées auprès de personnes âgées de 65 ans et plus, suggèrent que les rapports entre frères et soeurs prennent une allure de renouveau au déclin de la vie. Les expériences partagées durant l'espace de toute une vie mènent à une alliance particulièrement unique sur le plan des réseaux sociaux. Ceux qui ont toujours joui d'une relation harmonieuse sont d'avis que cette liaison soulage la solitude, procure un soutien moral et une confirmation des événements vécus tout en intensifiant l'attachement. Par ailleurs, ceux qui n'ont pas évolué harmonieusement signalent néanmoins un certain changement, voire une recrudescence, au niveau affectif. Une telle intensité d'émotions entre frères et soeurs d'âges avancés suggèrent que des enquêtes plus poussées pourraient nous aider à comprendre davantage les façons de combler les besoins sociaux et émotionnels des personnes du troisième âge. Les entrevues ont permis aux chercheurs de recueillir des données enrichissantes sur ces rapports complexes à l'échelle sociale et affective.

Keywords

Siblings in Old Age
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 6 , Issue 3 , Fall/Automne 1987 , pp. 199 - 216
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1987

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