Social networks of elders without children

Authors:
GIRANDA Melanie, LUK James E., ATCHISON Kathryn A.
Journal article citation:
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 31(1/2), 1999, pp.63-84.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

Currently, one fifth of Americans over the age of 65 have no children. This article examines social integration patterns among four groups of older people in the USA: those without children; no proximal children; one proximal child; and two or more proximal children. Findings show elders without children are older, female, black, unmarried, living alone with lower incomes and more physical health problems than their counterparts. Differences between groups were found in family, confidant and mutual support dimensions of social networks.

Subject terms:
older people, social networks, children;
Location(s):
United States
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1540-4048
ISSN print:
0163-4372

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