Intimacy in Older Adulthood
Running head: INTIMACY IN OLDER ADULTHOOD
Intimacy in Older Adulthood
Lauren Heatherly
August 9, 2013
Final Paper
To Meet Partial Requirements
For SOCI-349
Aging and Society
Southern Adventist University
School of Social Work
INTIMACY IN OLDER ADULTHOOD
1
Introduction
As human beings, social interaction is important in our lives. It is so crucial that Hillier and Barrow (2010) characterize it as the essence of life for all people of all ages. However, not only is social activity important, but intimacy from relationships is also significant. Without experiencing intimacy in relationships, the relationship itself can become meaningless. Research has shown that as people age, they are less inclined to develop and invest in insignificant relationships and selectively choose ones that are worth time and effort (Hillier & Barrow, 2010).
The online Merriam-Webster dictionary (2013) defines intimacy as “belonging to or characterizing one’s deepest nature” and “being marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity”. The things in life that we are intimate with or familiar with, such as where we grew up or certain things we love to do, or our relationships with others, are all things that lead to belonging and having meaning in life. It is easy to see how individuals of all ages need intimacy to some extent in order to have a life of quality that is satisfying.
Many factors impact the ability of older adults to find intimacy in their lives. Some older adults seclude themselves from social contact and actually use it as a coping strategy that balances their social engagement activities (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p.78). In some cases, comfort in being alone has been found to be related to lower depression, fewer physical symptoms, and greater life satisfaction (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). For many, however, being alone without adequate intimacy can lead to disengagement, stagnation, and loneliness, depression, and despair.
Intimacy in Older Adulthood
Lauren Heatherly
August 9, 2013
Final Paper
To Meet Partial Requirements
For SOCI-349
Aging and Society
Southern Adventist University
School of Social Work
INTIMACY IN OLDER ADULTHOOD
1
Introduction
As human beings, social interaction is important in our lives. It is so crucial that Hillier and Barrow (2010) characterize it as the essence of life for all people of all ages. However, not only is social activity important, but intimacy from relationships is also significant. Without experiencing intimacy in relationships, the relationship itself can become meaningless. Research has shown that as people age, they are less inclined to develop and invest in insignificant relationships and selectively choose ones that are worth time and effort (Hillier & Barrow, 2010).
The online Merriam-Webster dictionary (2013) defines intimacy as “belonging to or characterizing one’s deepest nature” and “being marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity”. The things in life that we are intimate with or familiar with, such as where we grew up or certain things we love to do, or our relationships with others, are all things that lead to belonging and having meaning in life. It is easy to see how individuals of all ages need intimacy to some extent in order to have a life of quality that is satisfying.
Many factors impact the ability of older adults to find intimacy in their lives. Some older adults seclude themselves from social contact and actually use it as a coping strategy that balances their social engagement activities (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p.78). In some cases, comfort in being alone has been found to be related to lower depression, fewer physical symptoms, and greater life satisfaction (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). For many, however, being alone without adequate intimacy can lead to disengagement, stagnation, and loneliness, depression, and despair.
References: Hansson, R. O. (1986). Relational competence, relationships, and adjustment in old age. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 50(5), 1050-1058 Hefferly, M. (2009). Examining the relation between hearing loss and successful aging. (Order No (prod.academic_MSTAR_304894878). Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. M. (2010). Aging, the individual and society, (9th ed.). Boston: Wadsworth intimate. 2013. In Merriam Webster Online, Retrieved June 20, 2013, from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/intimate?show=0&t=1371763256. McCann, B. R., & Roberto, K. A. (2011). Relational systems: How older women with chronic health problems construct close relationships (2008). Predictors of intimacy in couples’ discussions of relationship injuries: An observational study Mullins, L. S. & Mushel, M. (1992). The existence and emotional closeness of relationships with children, friends, and spouses: The effect on loneliness among older persons Steptoe, A., Shankar, A., Demakakos, P., & Wardle, J. (2012). Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in older men and women Sciences, 110(15), 5797-5801. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1219686110 14