Question One
Individuation is a transformation process where a person psychologically differentiates him or herself from other individuals in the society. It is a psychological separation and distinction from the collective psychology. The individuation process can be divided into stages; the first phase involves dealing with persona followed by dealing with the ego then the shadow, the anima or animus and finally the self in the final stage. This process can be used by women to transition to old age by helping them recognize and integrate the different conflicts that exist within themselves. Once these conflicts are identified then, they could try and achieve a balance between the conflicts by avoiding self-doubt and irrational thoughts.
Question Two
Grandmothers who are rearing and providing care for their grandchildren view themselves as both grandmother and mother. These older women believe that they can be the agents of change as soon as they realize the ripple effect of the fact that they did not teach their children how to be good parents or how to love (Karen, Katherine and Rosemary 78). Involvement with their grandchildren is considered to be a new start as they realize that they can now get involved in their lives in a more responsible way that they think they should have done for their children (Meadows, Thurtson and Lagendyk 162).
Question Three
Some of the health issues that prevent women from having sexual intercourse later on in life include in the part of the woman difficulty with vaginal lubrication and anorgasmia as well as low sexual desire. On the part of men they generally experience a reduction in sexual dysfunction and physiological potency. Older men also experience hypogonadism a condition where they are unable or have an impaired ability to produce enough testosterone.
Works Cited
Karen, Roberto, Katherine Allen and Rosemary Blieszner. “Older Women, Their Children, and Grandchildren: A Feminist Perspective on Family Relationships.” Journal of Women & Aging (1999) 11:2-3, 67-84.
Meadows, Lynn, Thurtson Wilfreda and Lagendyk Laura. “Aboriginal Women at Midlife: Grandmothers as Agents of Change.” Canadian Women Studies. (2004) 24: 159-165.
