Topic > The importance of sibling relationships later in life…

Introduction The older adult population is projected to be the fastest growing population subgroup in Canada in the coming decades (Statistics Canada, 2011). Since the aging population requires a lot of attention, it is important to focus on your social network. An important component of the social network of elderly people are their siblings. These are individuals with whom older adults share genetics, family, social class, and historical background and to whom an individual is “bonded” for life through intertwined family relationships (White, 2001). Kastner (2004) through "Rage Against the Darkness": Episode 2: Bunny & Leona' shows the importance of sibling relationships in later life by expressing various themes between Leonna and Bunny. Common themes in the film include the social support that siblings offer each other, personal social networks influence the sibling relationship, and the assistance in daily living provided by each sibling. Social support between siblingsThe common points highlighted by the literature support the relationship between Leonna and Bunny. Many researchers believe that siblings may represent the primary source of social support in old age and may be considered an “insurance policy” when support from other sources is lacking (Hochsild, 1973). Siblings may be the greatest potential source of social and psychological support for older people (Gold, 1990). Leonna and Bunny in the film display an intimate sibling relationship, which can be described as emotionally interdependent, psychologically involved, caring, nurturing, and accepting of each other's nature (Gold, 1989). They shared a long history of personal family experiences, and there is a parallel connection between the two (Bedford,Ev...... middle of document......1979), which proposes that the brothers be expelled from the family inner circle to make room for spouses and children, but are withdrawn when a deficit occurs, making them the second best member of adult kin networks. The life course perspective suggests that siblings are permanent but flexible members of individuals' social networks, whose roles are renegotiated depending on different circumstances ( White, 2001 ). As stated by Cicirellia (1982), although siblings cannot replace the presence of spouses or adult children, they can serve as confidants, close friends, and caregivers. White (2001) states that the help received from siblings also increases when the marriage is dissolved, which is consistent with what is seen in the film; Leonna moved in with her sister to take care of her children, helped Bunny financially and was always there for her (Kastner, 2004).