Research and Policy Gero 408 Jan 2011

Issues and Directions Some of the key issues to be addressed in this section cover- pensions, social security entitlements, health care, formal and informal support systems, adult guardianship, marriage and divorce, housing, education, and work. These can all be considered at the macro or micro levels. We can also look at some of the target needs of specific sub- groups. We need to look at the quality and quantity of the research in these areas and how this examines issues of class, gender, race, economics. We can examine the data collection methods, types of analysis and theoretical frameworks

Research Questions See page 261 and review. Researchers tend to be tradition bound. Little is known about the intimate relationships in later life, alternative family forms, impact of divorce and remarriage over the life course, consequences for adult children and grandchildren. Research methods-multiple stages and strategies. Usually a composite picture. There is an ongoing requirement for longitudinal studies both local and national using life course perspectives. Look at section on Theoretical Work page 264

Public Issues/Private Troubles Public issues accept some responsibility for solutions. Two examples are changes in Benefit provision in pension programs, a reduction in public provision and shifts to the private sector. The privacy and autonomy issues make research difficult- Review the controversy over the Census format. There is a need for more extensive cohort research-long term effects of widowhood in an aging population, rapid growth of older age groups, impact of living longer with chronic diseases. Issues around public transfers and equity ratios. Pages

Age Based Needs Withdrawal of public support is increasing the risk of older individuals What is economic viability in old age An increasing aging population has a direct impact on the labour force. Should support be based on need and that reflected in social policy or should a more universal approach be sustained. Social insurance and safety net programs are expensive. What impact will cuts in this sector have on family support systems? Can formal and informal support systems be connected ( )

Meeting Diverse Needs Target key transition points in the life course-education to paid work, paid work to parenting, paid work to unemployment or retirement, family care-giving (pp ). Institutional options-what will this look like? Legal interventions regarding the support of older parents by adult children, changes in family law to recognize family restructuring, support to single parents and grand-parents who engage in care-giving Recognizing the changes in family structure which will expand the concepts of family networks and relationships. This could impact dependency and fiscal responsibilities.