ABSTRACT

This research focuses on a daughter's experience

coping with her mother’s aging and overcoming the
fear of loss. To gather insights, I conducted an
interview with my cousin, whose mother is in her late
60s. The interview aimed to explore her feelings about
her mother aging, the challenges she faces, and the
strategies she uses to cope with the fear of losing her
mother. Using open-ended questions, I encouraged her
to share her thoughts and emotions regarding the
changes she observes in her mother, as well as how
these changes affect their relationship. The findings
reveal both the emotional struggles and the positive
coping mechanisms she employs to navigate this
difficult journey. Ultimately, this research highlights the
importance of communication and emotional support in
strengthening the mother-daughter bond during the
aging process.
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of this project is to investigate how a
daughter copes with her mother’s aging and confronts
the fear of losing her. By examining this emotional
journey, I aim to understand the feelings and
challenges that arise as daughters navigate the
complexities of aging within their families. Through an
interview with my cousin, I will explore her experiences,
coping mechanisms, and the ways she seeks to
maintain a strong bond with her mother during this
significant life transition. This research will provide
valuable insights into the importance of open
communication and emotional support in managing
fears associated with aging. Ultimately, I hope to
contribute to a deeper understanding of the mother-
daughter relationship as they face the realities of aging
together.
 ACTION PLAN

1. Research: Conduct background research on aging,

emotional coping mechanisms, and family dynamics.
Review existing literature on the psychological impact
of aging on family relationships. Identify key themes
and questions relevant to the daughter’s perspective
on her mother’s aging.

2. Interview Preparation: Develop a list of open-ended

interview questions based on research themes. Prepare
follow-up questions to allow for deeper exploration
during the interview.

3. Participant Recruitment: Identify and reach out to

potential participants who have first-hand experience
with the topic. In this case, secure participation from
my cousin, explaining the purpose and scope of the
project.

4. Conduct Interview: Set up a comfortable, distraction-

free environment for the interview. Record the
interview (with permission) and take detailed notes for
accurate data collection.

5. Documentation: Transcribe the interview and

organize key points and themes that emerge from the
conversation. Analyse the data to identify recurring
patterns, emotional responses, and coping strategies
discussed.

6. Reflection and Conclusion: Reflect on the interview

experience and its contribution to the topic’s
understanding. Analyse the challenges and emotional
impact during the process. Summarize the key insights,
practical coping strategies, and their broader
implications.
 INTERVIEW
[Link] you describe your feelings about your
mother aging? What emotions come to the
surface for you?
ANS: - I feel sad and a bit scared as my mom gets older.
I worry about losing her, but I also really appreciate the
time we spend together and what I learn from her.
[Link] specific changes have you noticed in
your mother as she has aged, and how do
these changes affect your relationship?
ANS: - I’ve noticed that my mom is not as energetic as
she used to be and sometimes struggles with everyday
tasks. These changes make me more protective of her,
and I try to help out more, which has brought us closer
in a way.
[Link] you experienced any fears or anxieties
about losing your mother? If so, how do you
cope with those feelings?
ANS: - Yes, I often worry about losing my mom,
especially when I see her facing health issues. To cope,
I talk to friends about my feelings, focus on making
happy memories with her, and try to appreciate every
moment we share.
[Link] coping strategies or techniques do you
find helpful when dealing with your mother’s
aging and your fear of loss?
ANS: - I try to stay organized by helping my mom with
her appointments and daily tasks, which gives me a
sense of control. I also write in a journal to express my
feelings and sometimes take breaks to do things I
enjoy, which helps me recharge and stay positive
 [Link] do you communicate with your mother
about aging? Are there any topics that you
find difficult to discuss?
ANS: - I try to have open conversations with my mom
about aging, like her health and plans for the future.
However, I find it difficult to talk about her potential
health decline or end-of-life issues because it makes
me emotional and scared.
EVIDENCE OF INTERVIEW
ESSAY
 REFLECTIONS
Why this topic?
I chose this topic because my mother aging brings up strong
emotions, and I want to understand how to cope with them.
Watching a loved one grow older can be tough, and I hope to
learn how to stay close to her while dealing with my fears.
How it helped me learn:
This topic taught me how to better handle the emotions of
seeing a loved one age. It helped me understand the
importance of communication, managing fears of loss, and
strengthening my relationship with my mother.
Difficulties faced:
One difficulty I faced was knowing how to ask sensitive
questions without making the conversation uncomfortable. It
was hard to find the right balance between exploring the topic
deeply and respecting personal boundaries.
What I could’ve done better:
I could have prepared better by researching aging and its
emotional effects, which would have helped me ask more
insightful questions. Additionally, being more open about my
feelings might have encouraged a deeper discussion.
What made it interesting?
What made this topic interesting was exploring the emotional
complexities of aging from both a personal and relational
perspective. It was insightful to hear how my cousin navigates
her feelings and balances caring for her mother while coping
with the fear of loss. Understanding how the aging process
affects family dynamics made it a meaningful and engaging
subject to explore
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my
teacher, Mrs Sudha for their consistent guidance,
insightful feedback, and encouragement throughout
this project. Your support played a significant role in
shaping the direction of my research. I also want to
thank my classmates for their valuable discussions,
suggestions, and shared experiences, which enriched
my understanding of the topic. A special thanks to my
cousin for generously sharing her personal journey,
without which this project would not have been
possible. Finally, I am deeply thankful to my parents for
their unwavering support, love, and patience, providing
me with the inspiration and motivation I needed
throughout this entire process.
 BIBILOGRAPHY
My Mother at Sixty-six-by Kamala Das-Flamingo:
[Link]
Psych Central- How Do You Cope with Aging Parents?
[Link]
and-your-emotional-well-being