The societal discourse on aging in America is multifaceted. With a current population of
45 million people over the age of 65, a number that is estimated to rise to 70 million by the year
2020 (US Census Bureau), the implications of an aging population that is rapidly turning adult
children into caregivers continues to be a main pillar in the on-going dialogue. The parent-child
relationship is typically one of the most influential and integral relationships in one’s life.
Studies show that the parent-child relationship continues to maintain a place of great importance
throughout the life course (Umberson, 1992; Milke, 2008; Gowler and Dowling, 2008).
Unfortunately, the emotional and psychological connection between an aging parent and his or
her adult child is often minimized or overlooked in the shifting focus from “parent and child” to
“patient and caregiver.”