Elderly and Families Living arrangements and lifestyles Tasks of later life families Lasting marriages Intergenerational relationships Retirement and financial status Caring for the disabled Facing death, widowhood

Stereotype of the elderly Lonely, isolated Poor health, disabilities Depressed, crabby Fixed income, struggling to survive

Reality 55% live with spouse 67% see their children weekly 70% saw grandchild within last week 70% rate health as good or excellent 70-80% can manage activities of daily living 13.1% hold jobs 17% have bachelor’s degree 10% are poor Focus on leisure, family, community, friends

Population proportions % of population aged (projected) and over

Living Arrangements of Elderly More women live alone or with other relatives

Tasks of Later Life Families Strengthening marriage Intergenerational ties Financial planning/retirement Adjusting to chronic health problems Preparing for death, widowhood

Enduring Marriages (Lauer and Lauer) 4 key characteristics: Spouse as best friend, liking spouse Belief in marriage as institution Consensus on goals, philosophy of life Shared humor, fun

Intergenerational Relationships Want “intimacy at a distance” Mutual assistance between generations 3/4 live within 30 minutes of children 2/3 see children weekly 70% saw grandchild within last week Distance makes greatest difference

Intergenerational Relationships Affinity = closeness, shared values Desire for affinity may be increasing Previous generations seen as mainly caretakers Mothers and daughters most likely to be close Next, fathers and daughters Last, sons and mothers or fathers

Intergenerational Relationships Grandparents and grandchildren Cherlin and Furstenberg: 3 styles Companionate (affection, play) – most common Remote (geographically distant) Involved (doing parenting activities)

Retirement Involves process of disengagement Increasing trend toward early retirement, focus on leisure Men may experience more identity issues Happiness greatly affected by health, financial status, presence of spouse

Care of the Disabled Activities of daily living (ADL): Bathing Dressing In and out of bed Toileting Walking 2-3 limitations = likely to need care Over 3 limitations = likely to be in nursing home (only 4-5%)

Percent with disabilities, by age, 1997

Who cares for the disabled? Sandwich generation: Middle-aged people “sandwiched” b/t responsibilities for their children and parents.

Care of the Disabled Most care done by women provide a service to family and to public serves public function - takes burden off social programs Workplace issues similar to those with young children May involve great stress, ambivalence May involve end-of-life decisions

Death and Dying Cultural attitudes: Denial – avoid talking, isolation of dying people Exploitation – increased exposure in media; sensationalism Romanticizing – death as peaceful, beautiful

Death and Dying Needs of the dying: to be treated with dignity, as a person Support of loved ones Pain management Decisions about medical intervention

Summary Most elderly are active, independent Marriage, family are most important Strong desire for intergenerational contact, support Adult women care for disabled elderly Elderly also provide support for younger generation – “family National Guard”