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