Describe two highly predictable, complementary behavior patterns involving control versus dependency that people interacting with older adults often fall into

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Observations of people interacting with older adults in both private homes and institutions reveal two highly predictable, complementary behavior patterns. In the first, called the dependency–support script, dependent behaviors are attended to immediately. In the second, the independence–ignore script, independent behaviors are mostly ignored. These sequences reinforce dependent behavior at the expense of independent behavior, regardless of the older person’s competencies. Even a self-reliant individual does not always resist unnecessary help because it brings about social contact. Among older people who experience no difficulty with daily activities, opportunities to interact with others are related to high satisfaction with everyday life. In contrast, among aging adults who have trouble performing daily activities, social contact is frequently associated with a less positive everyday existence. This suggests that social interaction while assisting older people with physical care, household chores, and errands is often not meaningful and rewarding but, rather, demeaning and unpleasant. Older adults’ negative reactions to caregiving can result in persisting depression. But whether assistance from others undermines well-being depends on many factors, including the social and cultural context in which helping occurs, the quality of help offered, and the caregiver–older adult relationship.