Discussion: Older Adulthood

Name:

Kelsey Jeong (F, 65 years)

Presenting Issues:

Kelsey is seeking counseling for guidance and support, stressing that her previous experiences with counselors had been very positive. This time around, she stated that she’s been having some conflicts with her daughters, who do not approve of her lifestyle. To explain, Kelsey shared that she’s semi-retired, and has hired people to work for her and run the day-to-day operations of the online craft supply company she founded shortly after her divorce. Kelsey remains the CEO but enjoys a lifestyle she calls “every person’s dream”—she travels frequently and remains very active. In fact, she is training for a masters sprint triathlon, about which she is very excited. She shared that just this past weekend she learned how to surf with her “new beau.” This is one of the issues her daughters have with her: They do not think it is “proper” for their mother to date much younger men or to be “globetrotting” around all the time. They have told Kelsey that she pushes herself too hard and does not take proper care of her body.

Kelsey is disappointed that her daughters do not understand her desire to live her life to the fullest and to have exciting adventures. Kelsey stated that she wished they were more supportive; she also stated that she feels like they judge her in a way they do not judge their father (who is remarried to a much younger woman and has a young son). When asked how she would like things to be, in simplest terms, Kelsey responded, “I want to figure out how to make my girls respect me, my choices, and my life.”

In addition to conflicts with her daughters, Kelsey shared that she has “a few concerns in the relationship arena,” including how to maintain her sex drive and how to compensate for some of the biological changes she has experienced without “killing the mood.”

Cultural Profile:

Kelsey is of Korean descent. She stated that she identifies strongly with her Korean heritage, despite being “very Americanized.” She is a Christian Buddhist and embraces her faith strongly.

Family History:

Kelsey has been divorced for 19 years. She has twin daughters (F, 37 years), who are both married with children; they reside nearby. Kelsey stated that she has close relationships with her daughters, but that they “gang up on (her)” and often tell her what to do. Kelsey’s conflicts with her daughters are causing her a great deal of stress.