Final answer:
Alden and Elyse may struggle with emotions like guilt and sadness as they consider moving to a smaller apartment, a societal trend stemming from historical shifts that have led to the elderly often living apart from their families. The evolving expectations surrounding aging now involve the elderly making proactive quality-of-life decisions for their future care and living arrangements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alden and Elyse, like many other older adults, may experience emotions such as guilt, sadness, and perhaps resentment towards the changes in their living situation as their children suggest they move to a smaller apartment. This transition often comes with a deep emotional impact, marked by the reluctance to leave behind a home filled with memories and a sense of community engagement.
Nevertheless, there is a societal trend where the elderly start to live apart from their grown children, which can further complicate their emotional and caregiving needs.
Throughout history, the role of the elderly has evolved. In agrarian societies, multigenerational living was common, with the elderly contributing significantly to the household.
However, with the rise of industrialization, the societal view shifted, increasingly perceiving the elderly as a burden. This shift has resulted in the commonality of older people living separately from their families, which can exacerbate feelings of neglect and lead to elderly mistreatment and abuse.
Overall, the experience of aging and the expectations surrounding it continue to change. More elderly individuals are making proactive decisions about their care and living arrangements, such as selecting housing that allows for independence while providing necessary support, highlighting the importance of planning for quality-of-life decisions in old age.