scholarly journals Australian attitudes to intergenerational equity: impacts of social and policy change

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 2671-2698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hal Kendig ◽  
Rafat Hussain ◽  
Kate O'Loughlin ◽  
Lisa Cannon
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Older People ◽  
Policy Change ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Baby Boom ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Intergenerational Equity ◽  
Life Chances ◽  
Competing Demands ◽  
Economic Constraints

AbstractAttitudes to ageing can predispose decision-making as governments, interest groups and electorates negotiate competing demands in the context of economic constraints and social change. This paper, based on national survey data, investigates change and stability in Australian attitudes to intergenerational equity from 2009–2010 to 2015–2017, alongside concurrent socio-economic and policy change as well as cohort succession. The emphasis is on the baby-boom cohort who are viewed as significant beneficiaries of social change relative to opportunities of younger and older cohorts. Views of older people as a needy group may be changing slightly as more enter later life with substantial wealth and resources. Our results show that there is little perception of intergenerational conflict with the exception of the Millennial cohort whose life chances are compromised by economic and expenditure constraint over the past decade. Overall, attitudes remain sympathetic to older people, especially among women and people rendered vulnerable by poor health, non-home-ownership and low socio-economic positions. The findings do not align with government portrayals of intergenerational inequalities notwithstanding many having negative views of the future and ongoing expenditure restraint strategies. At what appears to be a critical turning point in the life chances of successive cohorts, the findings indicate the interplay between attitudes and social and policy change, as well as implications for social equity and processes of attitudinal change.

Socio-economic position and quality of life among older people in 10 European countries: results of the SHARE study

2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
OLAF VON DEM KNESEBECK ◽  
MORTEN WAHRENDORF ◽  
MARTIN HYDE ◽  
JOHANNES SIEGRIST
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older People ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Later Life ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Car Ownership ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Net Worth ◽  
Economic Position

This study examines associations between quality of life and multiple indicators of socio-economic position among people aged 50 or more years in 10 European countries, and analyses whether the relative importance of the socio-economic measures vary by age. The data are from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) in 2004. 15,080 cases were analysed. Quality of life was measured by a short version of the CASP-19 questionnaire, which represents quality of life as comprising four conceptual domains of individual needs that are particularly relevant in later life: control (C), autonomy (A), self-realisation (S) and pleasure (P). The short version has 12 items (three for each domain). Five indicators of socio-economic position were used: income, education, home ownership, net worth, and car ownership. A multiple logistic regression showed that quality of life was associated with socio-economic position, but that the associations varied by country. Relatively small socio-economic differences in quality of life were observed for Switzerland, but comparatively large differences in Germany. Education, income, net worth, and car ownership consistently related to quality of life, but the association of home ownership was less consistent. There was no indication that the socio-economic differences in quality of life diminished after retirement (i.e. from 65+ years). Conventional measures of socio-economic position (education and income), as well as alternative indicators (car ownership and household net worth), usefully identified the differential risks of poor quality of life among older people before and after the conventional retirement age.

scholarly journals Transitions, generations andinformal learning in later life

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
John Field
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Demographic Change ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Identity Change ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Life Chances ◽  
The Life Course

The nature of transitions across the lifecourse is changing, as are the ways in which these transitions are understoodand investigated by social scientists. Much earlier debate on older adults’ transitions has tended to be rooted in acco-unts of relatively fixed social roles and age-based social stages. However, while we can detect some tendencies towardsdestandardization and restandardization of the lifecourse in later life, we can also see significant continuities in theinfluences of socio-economic position, gender, and ethnicity, as well as of generational position, that continue to affectpeople’s life chances, as well as the expectations and experiences of transition of older people. The paper examines theinterplay of these complex and contradictory structural positions and cultural locations on transitions, and considersthe ways in which older people use and understand learning, formally and informally, as a way of exercising agencyand recreating meaning. It will draw on recent research into the life histories of adults in Scotland, a relatively smallcountry with a typically European pattern of demographic change. The study was concerned with agency, identity,change and learning across the life course, and this paper will concentrate on the evidence relating to experiences oftransition in later life. It will particularly focus on the idea of ‘educational generations’ as a key concept that helps usunderstand how adults use and interpret learning in later life.

scholarly journals Ageing in a Gentrifying Neighbourhood: Experiences of Community Change in Later Life

Sociology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 987-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tine Buffel ◽  
Chris Phillipson
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Community Change ◽  
Significant Part ◽  
Adult Lives ◽  
Depth Interviews

Debates about gentrification continue to occupy a significant part of research investigating social change within urban communities. While most gentrification studies have focused on ‘incoming’ groups or those forced to leave, there is limited knowledge about those remaining in neighbourhoods undergoing community change. This study explores the experiences of older residents who have lived much of their adult lives in the same locality but whose views have been largely ignored in gentrification research. The article presents findings from seven focus groups ( N = 58 participants) and 30 in-depth interviews with people aged 60 and over living in Chorlton, a gentrifying neighbourhood in Manchester, UK. These highlight both daily challenges and exclusionary pressures, as well as how people are active in creating a sense of belonging in a neighbourhood undergoing social change. The article concludes by discussing the need for interventions which promote the ‘age-friendliness’ of communities and ensure that older people have a space to be seen and heard in their neighbourhood.

An ageing world and the challenges for a model of sustainable social change

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 464-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Angeloni ◽  
Elio Borgonovi
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Older People ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Mandatory Retirement ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Challenge

Purpose – Although the world is rapidly ageing, the alarming explosion of youth unemployment seems to have removed the workforce ageing issue as a priority from the policy agenda. The purpose of this paper is to test and investigate the main needs and willingness to work among the older population, as well as the main advantages for organizations employing older workers. Design/methodology/approach – The main research objectives were: first, to explore the effect of demographic and socio-economic predictors on an older person’s intention to work; and second, to focus on the main advantages that should induce organizations to retain older workers in their workplace. The paper is based on a survey and an interdisciplinary review of the literature. Findings – The study indicated that educational level led to improved active behaviours in the labour market. In other words, people who obtained a higher level of education showed a greater likelihood to desire a prolongation of working life, while lower educational attainment may have lessened the willingness and capacity of older people to remain in the workforce. The main benefits for organizations with older workers are highlighted. Research limitations/implications – The survey has a number of limitations: the sample is small and was completed with reference to a single country, making it difficult to generalize results beyond this country study; the questionnaire relied solely on a few areas, while it would be better to gather additional information; the survey only targeted retired people, while it would have been interesting to also collect answers from workers nearing retirement. The association between individuals’ educational levels and their intention to work in later life suggests that continued development of educational programmes for workers could favour greater retention in the workplace. Practical implications – As the ageing population is an increasing phenomenon, the participation of older people in the labour force and lifelong learning should become commonplace in the perspective of a more equitable society. The main challenge is to rethink retirement, by abolishing the mandatory retirement age and by providing more flexible work options. Social implications – Changes in national system and corporate strategies are required to meet the economic challenges of ageing populations. Originality/value – This study advances research on age management because it provided evidence that educational background plays a fundamental role in determining the willingness to return to work. In addition, the paper proposes a new integrated approach of sustainable social change.

scholarly journals Life-Course Transitions to Precarious Housing in Older Age

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 596-596
Author(s):  
Helen Barrie ◽  
Debbie Faulkner ◽  
Laurence Lester
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Life Course Transitions ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Household Dynamics ◽  
The Life Course

Abstract Home is central to health and wellbeing; yet the changing nature of work, household dynamics and especially housing markets, with scant policy attention and action around this, means low-middle income households are struggling in many countries. In Australia, while older people are considered to be at less risk because of higher levels of home ownership, there is a growing body of evidence about the living situations of older people who have not attained or retained home ownership over the life course and have limited wealth and savings moving into later life. This paper presents the findings of multivariate regression modelling using HILDA, a national longitudinal panel survey, to identify the profile(s) of older people at risk of homelessness in Australia. The data makes it clear a range of structural and individual factors across the life course are increasingly impacting on the ability to live a good life in older age.

scholarly journals Later life in rental housing: current New Zealand issues

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Keeling
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Older People ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Rental Housing ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Development Work ◽  
Policy Issues ◽  
Local Research

Historically, New Zealand has had relatively high rates of home ownership, with widely held aspirations for mortgagefree tenure in later life. As a consequence, examination of the small but growing numbers of older renters has been limited (Nana et al., 2009, p.20). This article draws together local research, commissioned policy development work and comparative evidence to identify the characteristics of older people in rental accommodation, current and projected issues and potential policy issues.

The housing situation and residential strategies of older people in France

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 753-777 ◽  
Author(s):  
CATHERINE BONVALET ◽  
JIM OGG
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Residential Mobility ◽  
Baby Boom ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Residential Preferences ◽  
Second Home ◽  
Family Connections

ABSTRACTDuring the later 20th century, France experienced a dramatic turn around in the quality of its housing. The current cohort of older people witnessed and lived through the transformation. Most people aged over 50 years in France are homeowners and almost one-in-four own a second home. Although the oldest age groups are much less residentially mobile than younger people, home moves are more likely around the age of retirement or widowhood. In recent years, new forms of residential mobility in later life have been emerging. These include a weakening of the commonly observed pattern of a permanent drift away from cities and towns towards areas of childhood origin or family connections. One current trend suggests a preference for preserving residential links with areas of relatively high population density and good access to amenities, coupled with being able to spend time elsewhere, whether in second homes, in children's and grandchildren's homes, or elsewhere. The arrival of the post-1945 baby-boom cohort at retirement has begun, and this may increase the current level of residential mobility and lead to more diverse types, although the change will depend on the development of the housing market as well as residential preferences in old age.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Predictors of Food Insecurity among Older People in Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janette Leroux ◽  
Kathryn Morrison ◽  
Mark Rosenberg
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Private Pensions ◽  
Public And Private

Background: Food insecurity research has been mainly examined among young people. The root causes of food insecurity are closely linked to poverty, and social policies and income supplements, including public and private pensions, have been shown to sharply curb food insecurity into later life. However, social, economic, and political trends that are closely connected to social and health inequalities threaten to undermine the conditions that have limited food insecurity among older people until now. Exploring the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity among older people across Canada has important implications for domestic policies concerning health, healthcare, and social welfare. Methods: Data come from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2012 Annual Component (n = 14,890). Descriptive statistics and a generalized linear model approach were used to determine prevalence and estimate the associations between food insecurity—as measured by the Household Food Security Survey Module—and social, demographic, geographic, and economic factors. Results: Approximately 2.4% of older Canadians are estimated to be moderately or severely food insecure. Income was by far the strongest predictor of food insecurity (total household income <$20,000 compared to >$60,000, OR: 46.146, 95% CI: 12.523–170.041, p < 0.001). Younger older people, and those with a non-white racial background also had significantly greater odds of food insecurity (ages 75+ compared to 65–74, OR: 0.322, 95% CI: 0.212–0.419, p < 0.001; and OR: 2.429, 95% CI: 1.438–4.102, p < 0.001, respectively). Sex, home ownership, marital status, and living arrangement were all found to confound the relationship between household income and food insecurity. Prevalence of food insecurity varied between provinces and territories, and odds of food insecurity were approximately five times greater for older people living in northern Canada as compared to central Canada (OR: 5.189, 95% CI: 2.329–11.562, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Disaggregating overall prevalence of food insecurity among older people demonstrates how disparities exist among sub-groups of older people. The seemingly negligible existence of food insecurity among older people has obscured the importance, practicality, and timeliness of including this age group in research on food insecurity. The current research underscores the critical importance of an income floor in preventing food insecurity among older people, and contributes a Canadian profile of the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity among older people to the broader international literature.

Using crystallization to understand loneliness in later life: integrating social science and creative narratives in sensitive qualitative research

2021 ◽  
pp. 146879412110059
Author(s):  
Barbara Barbosa Neves ◽  
Josephine Wilson ◽  
Alexandra Sanders ◽  
Renata Kokanović
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Creative Writing ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Older People ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Social Phenomena

This article draws on crystallization, a qualitative framework developed by Laurel Richardson and Laura Ellingson, to show the potential of using sociological narratives and creative writing to better analyze and represent the lived experiences of loneliness among older people living in Australian care homes. Crystallization uses a multi-genre approach to study and present social phenomena. At its core is a concern for the ethics of representation, which is critical when engaging with vulnerable populations. We use two case studies from research on loneliness to illustrate an application of crystallization through different narrative types. To supplement our sociological narratives, we invited author Josephine Wilson to write creative narratives based on the case studies. Josephine was awarded the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award in 2017 for Extinctions, a novel exploring themes such as later life and loneliness. By contrasting the two approaches—sociological and creative narratives—we discuss the implications of crystallization for qualitative research.

Understanding diversity in later life and a new culture of aging: Sociology of aging in Japan

2021 ◽  
pp. 026858092110053
Author(s):  
Daisuke Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Problems ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Social Disparities ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Care Problems ◽  
Sociological Studies

This essay introduces sociological studies on aging and related topics in Japan since 2000. It argues the three following points. First, the results of sociological studies on aging, and those from related social science disciplines, have moved away from a uniform understanding of aging to reveal greater diversity in the process. Second, it has become apparent that older people face various social problems, such as social isolation, social disparities, and family care problems. Studies have argued that it is essential to support mutual aid in the community. Finally, the reflexivity of high modernity attempts to push the problem of aging towards autonomy, but a new culture of aging assumes that dependence has the potential to overcome this reflexivity.

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