Caregiving and care receiving in transition to older adulthood: Integrating an attachment theory perspective
ABSTRACT Older adults' relationships with important others in transition to older adulthood was explored from attachment theory's perspective. The results (N 14) illustrated how older adults seek proximity to their attachment figure and how they provide and receive care from their attachment figure (e.g. partner) For example, older adults reported the importance of feeling needed or being a caregiver as an important factor in their relationships with an attachment figure, especially with their children. The results also showed the role of contextual factors (e.g. living condition) in older adults' connections with others. Some older adults reported God as their primary attachment figure and elaborated how they maintain proximity and how secure attachment with God functions positively in their adjustment to older adulthood. The illustrated relationship maintenance strategies and difficulties of older adults would help mental health counselors to work effectively with them in enhancing their adjustment to older adulthood.