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No children in later life, but more and better friends? Substitution mechanisms in the personal and support networks of parents and the childless in Germany
- Authors:
- SCHNETTLER Sebastian, WOHLER Thomas
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 36(7), 2016, pp.1339-1363.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Given increases in childlessness, the authors ask if and how the permanently childless substitute for adult children in their later-life support networks. Previous research finds that they are disadvantaged on several network and support indicators. Yet, the role of different substitution mechanisms remains unclear. The authors examine two substitution mechanisms: substitution through adjustments of network size/composition and through higher efficiency of personal ties. Data are from the German Ageing Survey (childless: N = 1,886; parents without/with residentially proximate children: N = 4,437/8,337). Their descriptive and regression results on network size/composition and the number of potential informational and emotional supporters show that both mechanisms play a role: the childless have more friends and extended kin, and they are more likely to consider them as potential supporters, than parents. Across cohorts or age groups, the relative effect size of network size/composition versus tie efficiency changes. Parents with no children nearby constitute a mixed type that shows similarities to the childless on some indicators of social support and to parents with at least one child nearby on other indicators. The findings provide a foundation for better predicting how current demographic trends affect future scenarios of social support in later life and for identifying the future need for formal care services. Thus, they are relevant for social scientists and policy makers alike. (Edited publisher abstract)
Childhood memories, family ties, sibling support and loneliness in ever-widowed older adults: quantitative and qualitative results
- Authors:
- MERZ Eva-Maria, GIERVELD Jenny de Jong
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 36(3), 2016, pp.534-561.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Family relationships play a major role in individuals' lives and can be a source of comfort, support and protection during the entire lifecourse. Particularly in the context of life events, such as widowhood, family relationships may be salient for (older) adults in coping with feelings of grief, loss and loneliness. Using Dutch survey data and 18 in-depth interviews from a sub-sample, this study examines the role of family relationships through the lifespan in reducing loneliness among ever-widowed older adults (i.e. persons who have at some time during their life experienced the death of a spouse). Particular attention was paid to childhood memories, family ties and support from siblings. Quantitative analyses examined associations between loneliness and childhood experiences of relationships with parents, family ties and sibling support. Qualitative data elucidated how ever-widowed adults recall relations with parents and siblings and experience current family relations. Quantitative and qualitative data showed that emotional support from siblings reduced loneliness. Additionally, positive memories of childhood relationships and current family ties were negatively related to loneliness. In times of ever-increasing longevity, work detailing how family relationships across the lifecourse are supportive in alleviating loneliness is a key issue on the social research and policy agenda. (Publisher abstract)
Health as status? Network relations and social structure in an American retirement community
- Author:
- SCHAFER Markus H.
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 36(1), 2016, pp.79-105.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This study examines social ties within a community of retirement residents to examine how health influences patterns of social interaction. Drawing from a social fields perspective, it was anticipated that health would emerge as a key form of status. The author hypothesised that this would manifest in the healthiest residents receiving a disproportionate share of social tie nominations, and that the network would be characterised by distinct patterns of health-based sorting. Exponential random graph models were used to disentangle individual, dyadic and higher-order influences on reports of interaction. Findings support the main hypotheses, pointing to the importance of health as a basis of micro-level social structure in contexts where it is a scarce and valued resource. The author calls for further research to trace out these implications in other unique settings. (Edited publisher abstract)
Identifying the enablers and barriers to community participation amongst older adults
- Authors:
- PAPAGEORGIOU Nicole, MARQUIS Ruth, DARE Julie
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(12), 2016, pp.742-751.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: The proportion of older adults throughout the world has increased significantly over the last decade and continues to rise. Such substantial growth highlights the importance of facilitating older people’s wellbeing. This research aimed to identify enablers and barriers to participation in community-based activities experienced by active older adults. Method: This qualitative study employed the evidence-based paradigm of occupation and Model of Human Occupation to underpin protocol and discussion. Ten participants (females = 9, males = 1) who were aged 64–83 years and actively engaged in their community took part in semi-structured interviews. Participants reported mixed health levels including chronic/terminal illnesses and normal degenerative changes. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Analysis identified four themes of enablers and barriers to community participation. These were: relationships; interests; personal knowledge and awareness towards health and wellbeing; and resources and the environment. Conclusion: Intrinsic factors such as developing or maintaining strong relationships and developing interests were identified as enabling community participation. Barriers identified within this study included unappealing group cultures or structures, such as having limited opportunity to develop friendships or explicitly targeting ‘seniors aged 60+ years’ and accessibility limitations. Recommendations were established to inform the development of programmes to increase community participation among this group. (Edited publisher abstract)
The benefits of making a contribution to your community in later life
- Authors:
- JONES Dan, YOUNG Aideen, REEDER Neil
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 28
- Place of publication:
- London
Reviews existing evidence on the benefits for older people of volunteering and making unpaid contributions to their communities in later life. The report covers ‘community contributions’ to refer to this whole spectrum of unpaid activity, including individual acts of neighbourliness, peer support, formal volunteering and involvement in civic participation. The report looks the state of the current evidence base; the main areas of benefit for volunteering in later life, who currently benefits from volunteering and in what circumstances. The review identifies good evidence that older people making community contributions can lead to benefits in: the quantity and quality of their social connections; an enhanced sense of purpose and self-esteem; and improved life satisfaction, happiness and wellbeing. The evidence was less clear on the impact on health, employment and social isolation. The review also found that people aged 50 with fewer social connections, lower levels of income and education, and poorer health may have the most to gain from helping others. However, the people most likely to volunteer are those who are already relatively wealthy, in good physical and mental health, and with high levels of wellbeing and social connections. The report makes recommendations for organisations, funders and commissioners working with older volunteers. These included: maximise the benefits of volunteering by focusing on engaging older people who are relatively less well connected, less wealthy and less healthy; avoid an over reliance on volunteering alone to tackle serious issues related to physical health, frailty, social isolation or employability; and ensure that older people engaged in volunteering have meaningful roles, with opportunities for social interaction. (Edited publisher abstract)
Perceived social support and mental health states in a clinic-based sample of older HIV positive adults
- Authors:
- KAPADIA Farzana, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services, 15(4), 2016, pp.417-427.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Despite a high prevalence of mental health problems in older, HIV+ adults (aged ≥ 50), few studies have examined the relationship between perceived social support and mental health burdens in this group. In a clinic-based sample of 100 adults, 23% and 29% met criteria for one and more than one mental health burden, respectively. In multivariable binary logistic models, perceived receipt of positive and emotional social support as well as overall support was inversely associated with the presence of mental health burdens. There is a need for additional investigation of how social support can help mitigate mental health burdens among HIV+ older adults. (Publisher abstract)
Moving as a family affair: applying the SOC model to older adults and their kinship networks
- Authors:
- PERRY Tam E., THIELS John F.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Family Social Work, 19(2), 2016, pp.74-99.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
In cases where moves are voluntary, older adults may decide to move as a strategy to optimise their living experiences. The authors use the Baltes and Baltes (1990) model of selection, optimisation with compensation (SOC) to understand the impact of moving on a family network. Extending the SOC model beyond individual analysis offers an innovative addition to the literature. Moving may serve to optimise one’s life by enriching one’s emotional and physical reserves, but relocation may also challenge the older adult and their kin with other demands and frustrations. While moving can be optimal in some ways, it is also important to consider how the act of moving may be exchanged for future emotional and instrumental support from spouses and kin. To complete this ethnographic project, the researcher conducted interviews, participant observation of the moving process (packing, garage sales, moving day, adjustment) and document review with older adults (n = 81), members of their kin network (n = 49) and supportive professionals (n = 46). This approach allowed for the possibility of tracking a network through the moving process, using formal interviews, participant observation and document review to find out if and how moving optimises lives. (Edited publisher abstract)
The effect of social participation on the subjective and objective health status of the over-fifties: evidence from SHARE
- Authors:
- LEONE Tiziana, HESSLE Philipp
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 36(5), 2016, pp.968-987.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
The aim of this study is to analyse how changes in social participation affect both the subjective and objective health of older Europeans as well as how changes in health status affect social participation. Using longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the results suggest that both the uptake as well as the continuation of social activities increase the chances of improvements in subjective as well as objective health. Furthermore, improvements in self-rated health as well as grip strength significantly increase the chances of taking up new activities as well as continuing with existing ones. Country effect is not as strong as expected and the benefits could be homogeneous across different cultures once we control for socio-economic status. Overall, the results stress the need for taking into account the reciprocal relationship between social participation and health. The paper highlights the importance of focusing on both uptake and continuation of social participation when devising policy aimed at improving healthy ageing. (Edited publisher abstract)
Bonds, bridges and ties: applying social capital theory to LGBT people’s housing concerns later in life
- Authors:
- KING Andrew, CRONIN Ann
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 17(1), 2016, pp.16-25.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper aims to contribute to debates about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) housing later in life by placing these in the theoretical context of social capital theory. Design/methodology/approach: After a discussion of social capital theory, emanating from the works of Robert Putnam and Pierre Bourdieu, the paper draws on existing studies of LGBT housing later in life, identifying key concerns that are identified by this body of literature. Findings: The paper then applies social capital theory to the themes drawn from the LGBT housing later in life literature to illustrate the usefulness of putting these in such a theoretical context. Originality/value: The paper fills an important gap in how the authors think about LGBT housing later in life; as something that is framed by issues of social networks and connections and the benefits, or otherwise, that accrue from them. (Edited publisher abstract)
Social connections for older people with intellectual disability in Ireland: results from wave one of IDS-TILDA
- Authors:
- McCAUSLAND Darren, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29(1), 2016, pp.71-82.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: The literature on influences of community versus congregated settings raises questions about how social inclusion can be optimised for people with intellectual disability. This study examines social contacts for older people with intellectual disability in Ireland, examining differences in social connection for adults with intellectual disability and other adults. Materials and Methods: Data were drawn from the IDS-TILDA study in Ireland. A nationally representative sample (n = 753) included adults aged 40 years and older, with additional comparison with general population participants. Predictors of social contacts were explored. Results: Residence, level of intellectual disability and age were significant factors determining social contact. People in institutional residences, older respondents and those with severe/profound intellectual disability had the lowest levels of contact; older adults with intellectual disability had much lower rates than general population counterparts. Conclusions: Community-dwelling people with intellectual disability have greater social contact than those living in institutions, but levels are below those for other adults in Ireland. (Publisher abstract)