Conflict in Families and Friendships of Later Life

Abstract

Fifty-five elderly adults describe situations provoking anger in relationships of later life. Parental anger revolves around adult children's failure to adhere to family rules, accept parental control, and live up to role expectations. Filial anger is related to parental failure to provide assistance and accept the child's autonomy. Anger between age peers is related to envy and failure of friends to successfully adapt to the aging process. Implications for gerontological intervention are discussed.