Discussion Question

Social Relationships.html

Social Relationships

Imagine the following scenario, about two older adults, Brandon and Tracy. Brandon’s wife passed away two years ago. His children have been hinting that he needs to get out more. They suggested that Brandon join a bowling league or something. Brandon was thinking along the lines of something a bit more intimate. However, it had been over three years since he even thought about being intimate with a woman.

Tracy and Brandon met online, where they both were playing World of Warcraft. They hit it off quickly when they found out that they grew up listening to Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis. They began exchanging e-mails after their first quest, and found out they lived only 80 miles from each other. After about a month of exchanging e-mails, Tracy and Brandon decided to meet face-to-face.

Brandon was a bit nervous about the date. It had been 48 years since his last date. When Brandon and Tracy met it seemed as if they had known each other for years. They sat and talked for hours. After dinner, Brandon and Tracy enjoyed a movie together. Neither one wanted the night to end. They spent the night together, and the next morning they made plans to see each other again.

Later that day, Brandon thought about how much he enjoyed Tracy’s company. He really missed having such a relationship. He decided however, not to tell his children about his relationship with Tracy. They just won’t approve, he thought.

Brandon’s apprehension of telling his children that he is in a new relationship is in part based on the misperception that older adults no longer need to have intimate relationships. Based on your own observations, does this misperception still exist?