Even though there is not much attention given to sibling relationships in old age, researchers have shown
that having brothers and sisters can significantly benefit us in later life.
Possibly because siblings share memories and a sense of family identity, people
with siblings report higher life satisfaction and lower rates of depression in old
age. In times of illness or crisis, siblings are shown to provide emotional and
psychological support to each other. This exchange of support is common
between siblings who live far away as well as those who live next door to each other.
Why are sibling relationships so important?
- While friendships come and go, sibling relationships are permanent. We cannot choose our siblings as we do friends; that is what makes this relationship unique.
- The sibling relationship has the longest duration of any human relationship! Next to our parents, who often know us from birth to adulthood, our siblings are likely to know us even longer. Because most siblings are within 10 years of age, we are likely to share a relationship for more years than any other family relationship.
- Our siblings share with us a lifetime worth of memories and stories. For example, your sister may be the only other living person who remembers that vacation to Niagara Falls when you were children or your brother is the only one who can remember how your grandpa used to eat your vegetables behind grandma’s back. This shared history is priceless and becomes more valuable as we age.
