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

“ 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.

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.

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

“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.

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

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.

Later Life Social Role:Worker

Median retirement age: 62

Rising rapidly—why?• Economic necessity

• Greater life span expectancy

• Personal preference

• “Walkin’ Around Money

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 placeaging in place (NORC’s)

Factors influencing living arrangements– Opportunities– Resources– Needs– Preferences

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

Care Needs in Later Life: Significant Factors

Chronic diseases

Family support of frail/disabled o.a.

Demographics: oldest old; women (“cumulative disadvantage”)

Childrens’ characteristics

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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