Older Generations are Supportive

There has been a long history of families continuing to exist in the traditional shape. Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable change in traditional demographics at the family level in western countries. There are a variety of factors to this demographical change, including growing life expectancy which is likely to be the major factor. However, life expectancy may vary in different regions of the world. As Watkins et al, state ‘there is a 60 percent chance that a 60-year-old female will have a living parent.’  Meanwhile, according to Robertson, she may have grandparents as well. (As cited in Brubaker and Brubaker, 1999). The existence of the older generation within families may provide vital benefits at the society level.

Older generations may have sufficient time to dedicate substantial support and life values to their family members. This may include a wider range of or providing financial support and concerned assistance. The older generation has been exposed to many different conditions, so they may have the potential to provide valuable advice based on their experience. They may also act as the backbone of the entire family. As Healy (2004) describes ‘older people play an important role in supporting and maintaining informal social networks and thus provide the “social glue” that binds three and even four-generation families.’

Despite the perception that the older generation is only beneficiaries not contributor, the fact is that they are the mainstream of support. A survey which was conducted in 1981 in Sydney indicated that ‘older people were more inclined to the providers rather than the recipients of many kinds of support.’ (as cited in Healy, 2004). According to De Vaus & Qu, the data still shows similar results on this issue in recent years as well.

Intergenerational support by old people has been proved by a variety of research, in countries associated with Western families. Studies in the United States show quite similar findings to Australia. Hooyman & Kiyak state that “parents are the most important sources of support for adult children coping with a variety of life crises such as divorce, early widowhood, and grief.” (As cited in Healy, 2004)

The older generation has been proven to provide substantial benefits for families in society. They are the living heritage and an active resource for adult children and younger generations.  Despite the fact of being so beneficial it is more likely that the next generations will not be lucky enough to benefit from the care that the older generation once provided, because families intend to have fewer children.

Reference list

Healy, J. (2004). The benefits of an aging population. Australia Aging Journal. http://www.tai.org.au/documents/dp_fulltext/DP63.pdf

Hodes, R. J. (2011) Changing role of the family. US National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/publication/global-health-and-aging/changing-role-family

Brubaker, T. and Brubaker, E. (1999) the four RS of intergenerational relationships: implications for practice. Family Review Journal 04 (1) pp5. 5-15. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/mfr/4919087.0004.102/--four-rs-of-intergenerational-relationships-implications-for?rgn=main;view=fulltext

Essay was written in class on 7/10/15