A patient and his wife are 2 years from retirement when he is diagnosed with lung cancer.Although with delayed childbearing,developmental stages can vary among families,which typical stage of family development is this couple likely experiencing?

A) Family launching young adults
B) Postparental family
C) Family with frail elderly
D) Family with teenagers and young adults

This couple is most likely experiencing the postparental stage of family development.During this stage,the parents prepare for retirement and adjust to their children moving into phases of adulthood.In the stage of family launching young adults,the parents maintain support of young adults as they leave the security of family and the parents rediscover marriage.During the stage of family with teenagers and young adults,open communication is maintained among family members,ethical and moral values are reinforced,and there is a balance established between rules and independence among teens.