1. 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

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 aging in place –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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