Intergenerational Support Research Articles

Effect of intergenerational exchange patterns and intergenerational relationship quality on depressive symptoms in the elderly: An empirical study on CHARLS data.

BackgroundAs the population ages with fewer children, depression symptoms are increasing among the elderly who lack companionship. Intergenerational support is closely related to depression in the elderly; hence how the behavioral patterns and emotional quality of intergenerational support affect depressive symptoms in the elderly should be further explored.ObjectiveTo study the effects of intergenerational exchange patterns and intergenerational relationship quality on depressive symptoms in the elderly.MethodsA total of 8,015 people over 60 years old in CHARLS in 2018 were selected as the object of this study. First, the correlation between demographics, economic conditions, health status, intergenerational support patterns, intergenerational relationship quality, and depressive symptoms in the elderly were analyzed. Three regression analysis models were established to analyze the relationship between control variables, intergenerational support patterns, intergenerational relationship quality, and depressive symptoms in the elderly. Results: Among the intergenerational economic, care, and emotional exchange modes, the risk of depressive symptoms in the elderly in the mutual support group was 31.8, 38.4, and 25.5% lower than that in the non-communication group. Compared with the elderly with very poor intergenerational relationship quality, the elderly with good, very good, and excellent intergenerational relationship quality had 74.5, 84.0, and 85.6% lower risk of depressive symptoms.DiscussionDifferent cultural backgrounds also affect intergenerational exchange patterns and depression in the elderly. During the study of depressive symptoms, two aspects relating to intergenerational support should be considered behaviorally and emotionally: the intergenerational exchange model and the intergenerational relationship quality. As depression in the elderly is affected by multiple factors, the participation and joint efforts of the whole society are required to reduce depressive symptoms in the elderly and realize active aging.ConclusionThe intergenerational exchange pattern of mutual support and the higher quality of the intergenerational relationship can significantly reduce the depressive symptoms of the elderly.

Intergenerational Kinship Networks of Support Within Transnational Families in the era of COVID-19 in the South Africa–Zimbabwe Migration Corridor

ABSTRACT Intergenerational support is a common cultural expectation and obligation in most African families. It is a form of reciprocal solidarity wherein a generation uses its privileges to assist a generation in need. This is typical of care and support relationships between parents and their children. As parents care and provide for their children, the unspoken expectation is that they are investing as their children will be obliged to take care of them in the future. In Zimbabwe, the obligations of this social contract have led many to migrate to other countries in search of economic opportunities. However, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant economic hardships, these reciprocal relationships have been negatively impacted. This paper assesses the impact of COVID-19 and the economic difficulties faced by migrants in South Africa, drawing from the life histories of dyads of five parents and five adult children. It explores how the governance systems implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and the precarity of transnational migrants in South Africa affected intergenerational material support within transnational families. Findings reveal that the pandemic significantly affected intergenerational support within transnational families. The restrictive measures crafted to curb the spread of the pandemic led to notable adaptations in the provision of parental support by migrant children in South Africa. Parental support went beyond reciprocity and altruism, exhibiting a profound moral value embedded in the moral economy perspective, where children remain committed to providing support to their parents despite the economic struggles presented by the pandemic.

Economic Hardships and Intergenerational Support among Families in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Jos, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Plateau State, Nigeria has experienced multiple ethnoreligious crises including devastating changes to traditional herder–farmer clashes in rural areas. Destruction of lives and property of rural autochthons in crises locations led to internal displacements from their ancestral homes. Families flee to safety, sheltering in makeshift camps under compromising conditions with few basic resources and lost livelihoods. We studied the lived experiences of internally displaced persons (IDP) in a camp, the nature of intergenerational exchange among family members and how the family structure has been affected and thrives in crisis situations. The family resilience framework and the life course theory were employed to understand constraints and agency of displaced families. Qualitative research methods were used to study IDPs living in the Geo-Sciences Camp in Jos. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in Hausa with adult female and male occupants, interviews with key informants and observations. FGD transcripts were translated to English, coded and analysed thematically. We found that the conflict had inflicted severe poverty on IDPs. They lost most material possessions, sources of livelihood and became dependent on charity to meet their basic needs. Marital relationships and gender roles changed. Parenting roles were affected in duties of provision, nurture and discipline. Critical aspects of family life were managed by ill-trained volunteers, with major support coming from international non-governmental organisations (INGOs)/non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charitable/faith-based organizations and the public with little government presence. Recommendations include reorganisation of IDP camps prioritising family spaces, robust trauma care services and more proactive governance of IDPs to restore them to secured communities.

Study on Life Satisfaction of the Elderly Based on Healthy Aging.

The life satisfaction of the elderly is the key to subjective well-being and healthy aging. Many related studies are focused on the affected factors, including health status, economic level, social support, pension mode, social security, and intergenerational support, etc., but few are based on the macro perspective of healthy aging. This study constructed a healthy aging evaluation system with 6 dimensions, including 15 primary indicators and 57 secondary indicators, to evaluate the relationship between healthy aging and elderly life satisfaction. Results showed that the 13168 participants were, mainly, female (53.76%), 80–99 years old (47.99%), lived in rural areas (77.00%), married and living with their spouse (43.70%), and widowed (52.15%). 80.32% lived with household members. 70.37% elderly were satisfied with their lives. Specifically, there was no gender difference in life satisfaction of the elderly (p=0.273), but there were significant differences between groups of urban and rural (p < 0.001), age groups of 65–79 and 80 older (p < 0.001), marriage groups of unmarried and married (p < 0.001), and types of elderly care of living alone and with others (p < 0.001), respectively. Among the six dimensions of healthy aging, healthcare performed best and living environment dimension was the worst, which was an area that urgently needed to strengthen. The odds ratios (ORs) showed that the dimensions of social participation/social equity and economic finance played important roles in the well-being of the elderly. Under the macro background of healthy aging, how to take measures from the micro perspective of the healthy aging evaluation index system and ultimately improve the life satisfaction of the elderly and still needs to be explored in-depth.

Transnational Family Practices and Use of Polymedia Methods for Inter-Family Communication among Zimbabwean Women Migrants in South Africa

ABSTRACT This article investigates the transnational family practices among Zimbabwean migrant women living in South Africa. The study draws on polymedia theory to examine two sets of research on Zimbabwean women in South Africa. The first set of research results, conducted in 2011, using in-depth interviews with 10 Zimbabwean refugee mothers living in Hillbrow, looks at transnational family practices and discusses intergenerational support from adult children to elderly parents and between grandparents and grandchildren. Building on this, the second set of research results on 10 Zimbabwean women living in South Africa examines how platforms such as WhatsApp, Mukuru and Malachia are key to experiencing a sense of intimacy and virtual care, particularly among Zimbabwean transnational families. As mobile phones increasingly evolve, there is a continuous need for up-to-date research on contemporary transnational family practices, and comparing these two data sets, over a 10-year period, shows how transnational care practices evolve over time. The findings reveal several examples of care practices toward their children, siblings and elderly parents who remained in Zimbabwe and to maintain a sense of togetherness. Findings indicate that transnational family practices are not free from challenges and issues such as Internet access, connectivity and affordability, which remain core issues for both the migrant women in South Africa as well as the families left behind in Zimbabwe. This article contributes to international literature about women migrants from countries of the South and for the African continent about intergenerational relationships and care practices in transnational families.

Ever the Father: Caring Masculinities Among Older Men in Two Bollywood Films.

Ideals of masculinity have gradually evolved from dominant traits of "hegemonic masculinity" to a more nurturing concept of "caring masculinity" that recognizes the caregiving roles of men. In this article, we explore the performance of caring masculinities among older men in later life. We do this specifically in the Indian context by analyzing 2 Bollywood films, Piku (2015) and 102, Not Out (2018), which revolve around the lives of 3 widowers aged 70, 75, and 102. We use a directed content analysis approach to examine the performance of caring masculinities in intergenerational (older parent-adult child) relationships. Both films exemplify tenets of caring masculinity as 3 older fathers continue to perform caring roles well into their later years. They also navigate a range of emotions and vulnerabilities that challenge behaviors associated with hegemonic masculinity, a mainstay of male role portrayal in Bollywood films. Additionally, the films highlight the complexity and fragility of intergenerational bonds, emphasizing the prevalence of ambivalence rather than pure solidarity or conflict that have traditionally been used to characterize such relationships. The films challenge the notion of older adults, especially older men, as being primarily care recipients as they age. The performance of caring masculinities allows for a reimagining of masculinity performance in society. The portrayal of men aging within nuclear households without spousal and/or intergenerational support encourages viewers to perceive new roles and realities for older men in India.

Intergenerational support and retirement timing among older men and women by race/ethnicity

Retirement timing is associated with health and economic outcomes for older adults. However, it is unclear how the pressures of supporting older parents and young adult children are associated with retirement. This study uses a life course perspective to consider how the linked lives of working older adults and their support of adult children and parents are associated with retirement. Cox proportional hazard models are estimated using the Health and Retirement Study (1992–2014) to assess the relationship between intergenerational support exchanges and retirement timing by gender and race/ethnicity. Providing most types of intergenerational support and especially providing time support are associated with an increased risk of retirement. Unlike all other respondents, Hispanic women providing intergenerational time support have similar retirement risks as those not providing any intergenerational support. These differing patterns by race/ethnicity suggest that earlier life course trajectories may shape older adults’ ability to respond to family needs.

Trends of Intergenerational Support towards Elderly Parents in Coast Region, Tanzania

This study sought to establish the trend of intergenerational support amid current social and economic changes in the Coast region, Tanzania. The study was specifically conducted in Kibaha Town Council (TC) and Mkuranga District Council (DC). The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A total of 394 respondents composed of older people aged 60 years and above out of the 15,919 older people obtained in Kibaha TC and Mkuranga DC were selected to participate in this study. Data was collected through a questionnaire, interview schedule and FGD. The findings revealed that despite social and economic changes which affect the relationship between parents and adult children, financial support was largely provided to the majority of older people. Indeed the study has noted that despite the reception of support from their adult children, there was a lack of filial obligation among adult children. In addition, though the majority of older people were receiving support, older women, illiterate and those living with their adult children were more likely to demand and receive support than others. As a result of poor economies among adult children, the support received by older people, especially financial assistance was largely inadequate and untimely. It is therefore recommended that the government and the community need to raise awareness among the young people on the importance of helping older parents as part of the strategies to enhance informal protection mechanisms. To reduce a huge burden on adult children, the government needs to re-think and put in place a non-contributory universal pension for all older people. Similarly, the government needs to put a high priority on older women since they are the ones who are most in need of support. To ensure that the support provided is adequate and reliable, the government needs to create more employment opportunities for adult children.

Attitudes toward Grandparental Involvement in Hong Kong: A Trend Analysis.

This article examines individuals’ attitudes toward the involvement of grandparents in family issues in Hong Kong. While existing studies have largely focused on the nature and types of grandparents’ involvement in childcare, it is worth conducting a quantitative investigation of the attitudes in the general population about grandparental involvement. Drawing on the 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 waves of the Family Surveys, the study examined the trend in attitudes toward grandparental involvement with 8932 HK residents. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess individual and family relationship factors associated with the attitudes toward grandparental involvement. Results show that although most people held positive attitudes toward grandparental involvement, there was a significant drop in the agreement with grandparental involvement in 2017 across all age groups. The findings imply that intergenerational support tends to be weakened in HK in recent years. Involving grandparents in family issues in HK was more likely to be need-driven rather than value-driven, as parent respondents had relatively more positive attitudes toward grandparental involvement compared with non-parents. Positive family and intergenerational relationships were significantly associated with the positive attitudes toward grandparental involvement. Policymakers and service providers should recognize the changes in people’s attitudes toward family lives and provide appropriate support such as family counselling, (grand)parenting programs and childcare support to promote the wellbeing of families and older adults.

Gender and intergenerational support in east Asian families

This review essay summarizes recent research on the topics of gender inequalities, family obligations, and intergenerational support in East Asia. We introduce four papers featured in a special issue published in 2021 and 2022 in this journal. We conclude by highlighting the continual importance of intergenerational support and family obligations in East Asian societies. We foresee that families and gender relations in East Asia will continue to evolve with characteristics of both modern gender egalitarian values and traditional family responsibilities. We call for more research on the topics and recommend that future research should investigate the intersection of gender and other dimensions of social inequality, employ advanced research methods, and examine the impacts of recent policies on gender and family.

The association between reproductive history and the multidimensional health of older adults in rural China and its gender differences: Evidence from the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey.

BackgroundFew studies have examined the association between reproductive history and the multidimensional health of older adults with more diverse reproductive histories and poorer health status in rural China. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of parity, sex ratio of children and late childbearing on multidimensional health and its gender differences.MethodsThe analytical sample consisted of 3,377 older adults in rural China who participated in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2018. Linear regression models were applied to estimate the relationship between reproductive history and multidimensional health, with separate models for each indicator of health outcomes.ResultsOlder adults in rural areas with greater parity were more likely to have better cognitive function (β = 0.409, 95% CI: 0.255–0.563), fewer Activities of Daily Living (ADL) limitations (β = −0.085, 95% CI: −0.137 to −0.034) and symptoms of depression (β = −0.396, 95% CI: −0.577 to −0.216). The social mechanism of intergenerational support from children later in life partly explained the positive effect of parity. Late childbearing had negative effects on cognitive function (β = −1.220, 95% CI: −1.895 to −0.545), ADL (β = 0.253, 95% CI: 0.028–0.478) and symptoms of depression (β = 1.025, 95% CI: 0.237–1.812). Women were more likely to be influenced by the positive effect of parity; the association between late childbearing and health was only significant in the male group.ConclusionsParity and late childbearing are associated with cognitive function, activities of daily living, and symptoms of depression in the older adults in rural China. Older adults with more children might be in better health, and this finding is especially significant in women. However, late childbearing had a negative effect on multidimensional health, especially for men. The social mechanism and gender differences between reproductive history and health need to be further explored.

Impact of intergenerational support and medical expenditures on depression: Evidence from rural older adults in China.

ObjectiveGlobally, depression has become a major health issue among older adults, who experience poor physical health and high medical expenditures. In Asian countries, older adults are greatly dependent on their children. This study assessed the impact of different types of intergenerational support and medical expenditures on depression among older adults in rural China.MethodA three-phase balanced panel was constructed based on data from 1,838 rural older adults with comparable scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) from the China Family Panel Studies in 2012, 2016, and 2018. A fixed-effects model was used to analyze the impact of intergenerational support and medical expenditures on CES-D score and of intergenerational support on medical expenditures. The propensity score-matching model was used to test the regression results' robustness.ResultsThe findings were as follows. First, different types of intergenerational support had a heterogeneous impact on depression among rural older adults. Emotional support had a significantly negative impact on CES-D score, although too much care-based support had a positive impact on CES-D score. Low-level economic support had no significant effect on CES-D score. Second, medical expenditures impacted depression; among these, non-inpatient medical expenditure had a significant and positive impact on CES-D score. Third, CES-D scores among rural older adults were associated with chronic diseases and per capita family income. Fourth, care-based support was associated with reduced non-inpatient medical expenditures, and the sub-sample regression results indicated that the impact was significant for older adults with no chronic diseases and those younger than 75 years.ConclusionIntergenerational emotional support and non-inpatient medical expenditures directly affected rural older adults' CES-D scores. The mediating role of medical expenditures between intergenerational support and CES-D score was not significant. Measures should be taken to encourage intergenerational emotional support and reduce the pressure on children's economic and care-based support. Further, the medical insurance reimbursement policy, as formal support, should be improved to alleviate depression among rural older adults when children's support is limited.

The Impact of Social Pension Schemes on the Mental Health of the Chinese Elderly: A Mediating Effect Perspective of Two-Way Intergenerational Support.

With the rapid decline in China’s fertility rate, the acceleration of aging, the continuous miniaturization and nucleation of China’s family structure, and the deterioration of the elderly’s living conditions and mental states, the elderly’s mental health has emerged as a major public health issue and a major social problem. Pensions are the elderly’s primary source of income, and they can help them meet their basic needs while also promoting family harmony and improving their mental health. Based on the data of the 2012, 2016, and 2018 Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS), we empirically examined the impact of pensions on the elderly’s mental health by using the fixed effects model, mediating effect model, and so on. The results show that receiving pension benefits can significantly reduce the level of depression and improve the mental health of the elderly. Receiving pension benefits causes reverse intergenerational economic transfer, which reduces the effect of pensions on the elderly’s mental health to some extent, but the life care and mental comfort provided by children increases when the elderly share pensions with their children. Overall, receiving pension benefits improves the mental health of the elderly. In addition, the effect of pensions on the elderly with different characteristics is heterogeneous. The older elderly, women, the elderly living with their children, and the elderly in rural areas all benefit more from receiving pension benefits. Moreover, the worse the mental health of the elderly is, the stronger the influence of pensions on their mental health is. Our discussion has important policy implications.

Pandemic Scholars Circle: Deepening Community during Isolation

Pandemic Scholars Circle: Deepening Community during Isolation

The influence of grandparents on grandchildren. Scoping review.

Introduction. Grandparents, in particular, are recognized as the "first line of defense" when families are disturbed, disorganized, or in need, often contributing time, care, and financial resources as needed. The ties between grandparents and grandchildren are known for their diversity of content, covering a wide continuum of care and intergenerational support. This study aims to identify, evaluate, and summarize the best available scientific evidence about the influence of grandparents on grandchildren. Method. A systematic search of the relevant literature was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SciELO SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, and LILACS databases, for articles published up to February 8, 2021, relating to studies evaluating the influence of grandparents on grandchildren. Results. 13 cross-sectional studies were selected. In five studies, financial issues are analyzed and in eight studies nutrition issues are evaluated. The studies were from four different continents – Oceania, Asia, North America, and Europe. Conclusion. Grandparents in the caregiver role influence the grandchildren's upbringing and this influence is linked to the amount of time they spend together. Culture and ethnic factors have a strong impact on this influence. Grandparents contribute to grandchildren concerning finances, regardless of social class or educational level. However, with food, grandparents with a lower educational level than their children, tend to provide a less healthy diet for their grandson. Thus, grandparents are a very valuable audience in awareness campaigns about infant feeding to reduce childhood obesity.

Facilitating inclusive ICT application and e‐Commerce development in rural China

AbstractApplication of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in general and e‐commerce development in particular are increasingly becoming one of the important driving forces of transforming rural economy in China. Based on two sets of household survey datasets in 2015–2019, this study documents the overall trends of major ICTs’ and e‐commerce adoption in rural China and farmers’ selling fruits online in more developed e‐commerce villages in two provinces, and examines the enabling and constraining factors for farmers adopting ICTs and using e‐commerce to sell products. The results show that, although the increase has been impressive, there is still plenty of room for the diffusion of ICTs and e‐commerce. Empirical analyses suggest that human capital, social networks, resource endowments, ICT infrastructure and location are the main determinants of a household's or an individual's adoption of ICTs, and the producer's selling his/her fruits through e‐commerce. Moreover, this study provides new and strong evidence of intergenerational support for older and less educated farmers from their children to engage in online sales. However, this study also points out that a new digital divide on the spread of ICTs and e‐commerce has emerged across regions and among farmers in rural China. The article concludes with several policy implications for fostering rapid and inclusive ICT application and e‐commerce development in rural areas in the coming digital era.

Association of Received Intergenerational Support with Subjective Well-Being among Elderly: The Mediating Role of Optimism and Sex Differences.

Even though an extensive body of previous research has examined the association between received intergenerational support and the well-being outcomes of older adults in a wide variety of contexts, few studies have been conducted to explore the impacts of intergenerational support on elders’ subjective well-being, especially the intermediary mechanisms in this process. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by exploring the mediating role of optimism in the association between received intergenerational support and subjective well-being among the elderly in China, as well as the sex differences that exist between males and females. The findings show that the intergenerational support received from adult children is positively related to subjective well-being and that this relationship is partly mediated by optimism. Meanwhile, no significant sex difference was found in the interrelations between intergenerational support, optimism, and subjective well-being.

Intergenerational support during the rise of mobile telecommunication in Indonesia

In many Southeast Asian populations, urbanization and migration have increased the share of older adults supported by nonresident children. The expansion of mobile telephone infrastructure has emerged as a mechanism to bridge the spatial dispersion of fami

Association Between Intergenerational Support, Social Integration, and Subjective Well-Being Among Migrant Elderly Following Children in Jinan, China.

BackgroundIn China, as domestic urbanization progresses and immigration expands, an increasing number of older people are choosing to follow their migrant children to new cities. Such people are referred to as “migrant elderly following children.” However, few studies have explored the subjective well-being of these older adults. The present study aims to investigate the factors that influence the subjective well-being of this population of older adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 656 older migrants who had followed their children to Jinan, Shandong Province, China. Multistage cluster random sampling was used. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to explore, the relationships between intergenerational support, social integration, and subjective well-being.ResultsOverall, 96.3% of the older migrants showed good subjective well-being. Analysis of intergenerational support showed that those who had a female child (odds ratio [OR] = 0.401, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.180, 0.893) and those whose children had terrible conjugal relationships (OR = 0.223, 95% CI: 0.099, 0.504) were less likely to have better subjective well-being. Analysis of social integration showed that migrants who liked their current city (OR = 5.358, 95%CI: 1. 631, 17.599) and those who had a basic understanding of the local dialect (OR = 2.869, 95%CI: 1.203, 6.843) were more likely to have good subjective well-being. Migrants who had used in-patient service in the past year (OR = 0.216, 95%CI: 0.094, 0.497) were more likely to have poor subjective well-being.ConclusionIntergenerational support and social integration are positively associated with the subjective well-being of migrant elderly following children in China. Efforts should be made, including the creation of specialized policies, to improve the family atmosphere of such migrants and their integration into their new cities, as this would contribute to improving their subjective well-being.

Affective well-being of Chinese urban postpartum women: predictive effect of spousal support and maternal role adaptation.

Due to shortage of childcare facilities while high social expectations for mothering, becoming a mother is a big life challenge for most women in urban China. The understandings on Chinese postpartum women's affective well-being and its relation with spousal support and maternal role adaptation remain limited. This study aims to investigate the affective well-being (including both positive and negative affect) of Chinese urban postpartum women and how it is associated with spousal support and maternal role adaptation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shanghai, China, between June and July 2019. A total of 498 urban mothers whose babies were 0 to 1year old participated in this survey. They completed the Postpartum Social Support Questionnaire (PSSQ), the Maternal Role Adaptation Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), and reported socio-demographic information. Results showed that positive and negative affect of postpartum women were not significantly associated with each other. Positive affect had a positive correlation with spousal support and maternal role adaptation. Negative affect was negatively associated with maternal role adaptation, while not significantly associated with spousal support. Maternal role adaptation partially mediated the relationship between spousal support and positive affect of the participants, controlling for age, household income, education, birth order, and inter-generational support. The findings indicate that intervention programs towards mental health of postpartum women should focus more on positive affect cultivation; moreover, clinical services should help postpartum women to adapt to maternal role by encouraging new fathers' or partners' involvement in daily childcare-giving.