Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 12: The Aging Family

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Post-Parental Period The post-parental period is the middle years of adulthood, after the departure of children, but before retirement. This period is also called the empty nest and the launching stage. For married parents, this period is characterized by a return to a two-person, married-couple household.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Periods of Post-Parental Family Life Families launching their oldest children–parents ages forty-five to fifty-four. Families of pre-retirement–parents ages fifty-five to sixty four. “Young/Old” retired families–parents ages sixty- four to seventy-four. “Old/Old” families–parents ages seventy-five and older.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Marital Status in the Middle Years A majority of adults ages 45 to 64 years old are married with a spouse present. The percentages of people who are never married, divorced, and widowed are low relative to other categories. The post-parental period lasts longer than any other in the marital life course.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Co-Residence in the Middle Years Co-Residence refers to adult children living in the same household as their parents. These factors contribute to earlier home- leaving: –Family instability –Crowding –Non-traditional family structure

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Co-Residence in the Middle Years Four-fifths of adults leave home by age twenty- three, but nearly half return home. Boomerang kids leave home and then return, due to: –Divorce –Unwed motherhood –Job loss –Economic hardship

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Significance of the Middle Years Family income reaches its peak Strong pressures to achieve and succeed Physical and emotional changes may create anxiety and confusion Less stress and increased leisure, work opportunities, and life satisfaction

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Grandparent Status Increased life expectancy has made grandparenthood a near universal experience in the U.S. Grandparenthood has become a transition of the middle years because: –Families are smaller; –Children are spaced more closely; and –Women are having their last child at younger ages.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Grandparent Status Role expectations are not always clear. Roles vary by social class and gender. Grandmothers are likely to provide regular care. Grandfather roles tend to be more affectionate than functional.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Grandparent Status Step-grandparent is a new role created by the frequency of divorce and remarriage in the U.S. It is a role-less role since there are few role expectations associated with it. Grandparent visitation rights are a new phenomenon. Every state allows grandparents to petition for visitation.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Growth of the Elderly Population Early marriage age and longer life have increased: –The length of marriage –The number of living generations of family –The size of the kin network The number of older persons has risen as average life expectancy has increased.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Marital Status in the Later Years As persons age, the percentage of widows and widowers increases. More women are widowed than men. For the elderly, marital and family relationships are primary sources of: –Social involvement; –Companionship; –Fulfillment; and –Happiness.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Intergenerational Relationships The sandwich generation are persons in the middle years who manage the demands of caring for their own children and aging parents. Intergenerational family relations are important, strong and resilient in the U.S.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Living Arrangements Among the Elderly As persons grow older: –Increasing numbers retire –Income decreases –Spouses and siblings die Older persons who do not live with spouses tend to live with adult children or other relatives. About 4 percent live in long-term care institutions.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Common Problems of Older Persons Health and care Children’s problems Income and standard of living Abuse and neglect

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Health and Health Care Older people prefer care by family members. Informal care by family members is the most common type. Daughters are more likely than sons to provide: –Personal care; –Assistance with mobility and daily living; –Emotional support; and –Companionship.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Children’s Problems The elderly are affected by their children’s: –Marital problems –Mental problems –Physical problems –Stress-related problems

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Income and Standard of Living The percentage of elderly persons below the poverty line is 1/3 what it was in The economic status of the elderly has improved greatly, particularly when compared to children. Government programs and services for the elderly have expanded dramatically.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Socialization in Later Life The re-socialization needs of the elderly are often ignored. The family system fulfils many of the needs and services of elder members. The effectiveness of the family in meeting cultural goals depends on the structural opportunities available.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Retirement Retirement involves re-socializing persons for new roles and lifestyles. Decreases are common in: –Health; –Income; –Status; and –Feelings of self-worth. Being married acts as a buffer to these problems.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Dying and Death For adult children, the death of a parent adversely affects: –Marital relationships; –Physical health; and –Psychological well-being. The family and kin network are major sources of decision making and social support during the dying process. Hospice offers an alternative to hospital care for dying people.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Widows and Widowers Widowhood is: –Disproportionately represented among people over 65. –Associated with loneliness and social isolation. Losing a partner is more psychologically detrimental for men. Finances are the biggest challenge for women.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Widows and Widowers Adjustment to Widowhood is Facilitated by: –Personal Autonomy –Close Friendships –A Realistic Philosophy of Life –Economic Security –Meaningful Personal Interests