title: Reframing dependence in old age: a positive transition for families.
abstract: This article re-evaluates the role of dependence in late-life development using concepts drawn from psychology, sociology, social work, gerontology, and scholarship on women's development. A perspective of old age as a time of continued, positive growth and change is proposed. Dependence is not a marker of decline and deterioration, but a necessary development for mutual growth and enhancement of late-life family reciprocity. Accepting dependence helps an older person maintain his or her competence, autonomy, and self-esteem. The process of dependence as growth promoting is discussed and illustrated with case examples.
authors.affiliation: Gerontology Concentration, School of Social Work, Salem State College, MA 01970, USA.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Motenko
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Greenberg
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000523:psychology; D017028:Caregivers; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D014481:United States