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Social Lives in Later Life

Social Lives in Later Life. Based on information from: Himes, C.L. & Fang, Y. in Wilmoth & Ferraro, Gerontology: Perspectives & Issues. 3 rd ed. (2007). New York: Springer.

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Social Lives in Later Life

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  1. Social Lives in Later Life Based on information from: Himes, C.L. & Fang, Y. in Wilmoth & Ferraro, Gerontology: Perspectives & Issues. 3rd ed. (2007). New York: Springer

  2. “ Rather than viewing aging as primarily a time of decline and detachment from society, (sociological) researchers are interested in the ways in which older adults contribute to families, the workplace, and society.” (p. 289). • Result: “a richer portrayal of the diversity in the aging experience.

  3. An Important Perspective: • Rather than viewing later life in isolation, lives in old age are seen as extensions and consequences of earlier life conditions and decisions. • Economic security, health & family relationships are viewed as part of a life-long process.

  4. Chapter Themes • Demographic changes affecting families • Older people’s social roles • Grandparent • Worker • Volunteer • Where/with whom do o.a.’s live • Care needs of older adults

  5. “Families are created by simple demographic processes—the union formation (and union dissolution), fertility, and mortality of individuals.” • These interact to create various family forms.

  6. Later Life Social Roles:Grandparent • Among adults w/children aged 40 or over, almost 95% are grandparents. • Most children have at least l living g’parent • G’parents mostly are working • About 1/3 still have a living parent-a 4-generation family • Likely to become more important—more moms stay in labor force; more single parents; social welfare nets disappear

  7. Later Life Social Role:Volunteering • ~15 mill. O.A.’s involved • What do they do? • Teaching---Nat. Park Service Volunteers • Mentoring—Service Corps of Retired Execs. • Leadership • Advocacy—Retired & Senior Volunteer Prog. • Likely to become more important as women’s participation in the labor force increases.

  8. Later Life Social Role:Worker • Median retirement age: 62 • Rising rapidly—why? • Economic necessity • Greater life span expectancy • Personal preference • “Walkin’ Around Money

  9. Living Arrangements in Later Life • Independent living is the preference • And the trend is growing • Greater econ. Stability of o.a.’s • Desirability of aging in place (NORC’s)

  10. Factors influencing living arrangements • Opportunities • Resources • Needs • Preferences

  11. Living with “the kids” • Lower income/non-home-ownership • Higher income: opportunity to purchase preferred living environment & services • Higher education: increased awareness of personal privacy and independence

  12. Care Needs in Later Life: Significant Factors • Chronic diseases • Family support of frail/disabled o.a. • Demographics: oldest old; women (“cumulative disadvantage”) • Childrens’ characteristics

  13. The Future?Potential Change-inducing Factors • Higher divorce rates • Cohabitation acceptance • Alternative informal arrangements • Feelings of filial obligation • Increase in ethnic diversity • The Boomers---Of Course!!!

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