This qualitative study of nine women examined the changes in their everyday lives as they cared for their terminally-ill husbands and after their husbands died. It also studied how the women coped with these changes, and how their coping contributed to their identity change from wife to widow. Symbolic interaction was utilized to study the changes…

Examines the impact of the elder caregiver role on developmental tasks of early adulthood (N=50). Specifically, differentiating from family of origin, establishing intimate relationships, and career development are examined. Results suggest that acquiring the caregiver role before age 40 has a definite impact on family life, intimate…

Examined personal aspirations of 708 older adults. Found aspirations centered on self-preservation were associated with very old age, functional impairment, lower socioeconomic status and education, and being alone or institutionalized. Aspirations of self-development and interpersonal relationships were associated with younger age, physical…