PROBLEMS IN THE LIVES OF ADULT CHILDREN - THEIR IMPACT ON AGING PARENTS

This article examines how major problems and strains in the lives of middle-aged adults affect the emotional wellbeing and stress levels of their aging parents. Twenty-nine married couples aged 60 and over were interviewed. For mothers, but not fathers, there was a significant relationship between problems in the lives of their adult children and the parent’s emotional well-being. During the qualitative interviews, however, fathers spoke of experiencing considerable personal distress from their children’s problems. The need for support and education groups for aging parents who have children that are experiencing major disruptions is discussed. © 1991 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.