HLTH340 Barbara Case Study - Assignment Solution

Introduction

The case centres on Barbara a 68 years old childless businesswoman who has never married. Barbara is active in her business and takes care of her old parents. She has a good social relationship with her parents and close friend Jim who is retired. Although she has various hobbies and interests, she finds satisfaction in her work. As an old childless working woman taking care of her parents and with vibrant social life, this case provides an ideal scenario for analysis using the activity and disengagement theories of ageing.

Perspectives of the People Involved

Barbara has a fulfilling life despite being childless. She engages in work and keeps a close social active life with friends and family to keep her from grieving the lack of a family and children. Although her parents are independent, they are very old; thus require care from their daughter. Therefore, Barbara perceives herself responsible for their care. Being childless is associated with loneliness which can lead to psychological problems such as depression. Barbara takes her economic engagement as a solace and a way out of such psychological problems since it gives her satisfaction as illustrated by her unwillingness to retire.

Her parents Arthur and Enid feel concerned for their daughter and feel sorry that she does not enjoy the happiness of ageing as a mother or a grandmother. They also show concern over her continued working and try to get her engaged in their care to keep her from work. It is also reasonable to say that they feel frustrated for the lack of grandchildren to spend their old age together which is an example of role change as explained by the activity theory. Her close friend Jim is of the view that Barbara should retire to enjoy her old age by engaging in her hobbies and interests.