DevelopmentalPsychology

Reflect on thefollowing case study:

1. What are the riskfactors and the protective factors when it comes to \"successfulaging\" for Frank? For Ellen?

2. Reflect on how the current situation might impact Frank andEllen's coping with the psychosocial crisis of Generativity vs.Stagnation, and entering the next stage of Integrity vs.Despair.

Case Study: Frank and Ellen Schaeffer

Frank, age 66, and Ellen, age 64, have declared bankruptcy, andtheir home is in foreclosure. They have had to move about 60 milesaway from their old home, and are new to the community. They areseeking assistance, especially ways to pay for Ellen's prescriptiondrug costs, which amount to approximately $600 per month, abovewhat is covered by Medicare. The drugs are for diabetes management,high blood pressure, and pain management from a degenerating spine.They have managed to find a place to rent within the past month(which is about half of the size of their old home), but it costsabout 43% of their fixed income from Social Security and a smallpension that Frank receives from his 23 years of working for atelecommunications company. Because of the bankruptcy, they have nocredit cards and use cash/checks for all transactions.

Both are exhibiting signs of extreme stress. Frank says \"he'sfine,\" but upon questioning, reports a noticeable loss of weight inthe past 3 months, trouble sleeping, and his smoking has increased.He appears irritable, and he expresses sarcasm when asked abouttheir financial situation, the past several months of trying tolook for employment, or their attempts to work with banks andgovernment agencies. Ellen reports a significant increase in hersmoking, insomnia, but no change in her weight (although she isnoticeably overweight for her height). She discloses that she criesabout 1-2 times a week, for the past 6-8 months. Ellen mentionsthat both she and Frank have trouble with remembering thingssometimes, especially lately. She is especially concerned aboutFrank.

Frank and Ellen have been married for 43 years, and have threesons and a daughter. The adult children live about 70 miles away.They help out as much as they can financially, and they are incontact with Frank and Ellen at least once a week. Frank and Ellenboth report a strong marriage -- but noticeable estrangement fromtheir own families of origin, their brothers and sisters. Ellen hasone friend whom she sees about once a month. Most of their time isspent watching TV, and Frank works on a vintage car in the garage.They call themselves spiritual, but they do not practice anyreligion nor are they members of any religious organization.

Frank and Ellen both have high school diplomas, but no highereducation. Frank has gone through many technical training programsin the course of his work for the telecommunications company, wherehe worked for 23 years in a variety of capacities, but most of thattime involving the installation of computer/ telecommunicationsnetworks for office buildings. For the past 15 years, Frank hasbeen working for a different company that contracts out to hisoriginal employer, for installing networks. The past 4 years, Frankhas worked for this smaller satellite company as a contract worker,on call for different office building contracts. These projects aresporadic, involving stints of work for 2-3 weeks at a time. Frankobviously wants to work, but is clearly frustrated by the lack ofjob opportunities and feels that no one will hire someone his age.Ellen spent many years taking care of children in their home, butnow can no longer do that because of pain and mobility problems,and the loss of their home of 35 years.