copyright © 2010 pearson education, inc. all rights reserved. chapter 12: the aging family

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chapter 12: The Aging Family


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.


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.


Marital Status in theMiddle 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.


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


Co-Residence in theMiddle 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


Significance of theMiddle 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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Living ArrangementsAmong 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.


Common Problems ofOlder Persons

Health and care

Children’s problems

Income and standard of living

Abuse and neglect


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.


Children’s Problems

The elderly are affected by their children’s:– Marital problems– Mental problems– Physical problems– Stress-related problems


Income and Standard of Living

The percentage of elderly persons below the poverty line is 1/3 what it was in 1970.

The economic status of the elderly has improved greatly, particularly when compared to children.

Government programs and services for the elderly have expanded dramatically.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Widows and Widowers

Adjustment to Widowhood is Facilitated by:– Personal Autonomy– Close Friendships– A Realistic Philosophy of Life– Economic Security– Meaningful Personal Interests

copyright © 2010 pearson education, inc. all rights reserved. chapter 12: the aging family

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