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Being single in old age
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Single elders experience a distinct social personality in old age, characterized by manageable isolation and an ordinary view of death. Their daily lives differ significantly from other elderly individuals.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology of Aging
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The daily lives and social experiences of elderly individuals vary significantly based on marital status.
- Understanding the unique social world of single elders is crucial for comprehensive gerontological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and define the distinct social personality of single elders in old age.
- To explore the subjective experiences and perceptions of everyday life among single elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research utilizing in-depth interviews with single elders.
- Analysis of subjective data regarding self-perception and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Single elders exhibit a distinct social personality, often characterized by relative social isolation.
- This isolation is not perceived as loneliness, either currently or in anticipation.
- Their social world is viewed as a natural continuation of their past life experiences.
- Death is conceptualized as an ordinary event within the continuum of life experiences.
Conclusions:
- Single elders represent a unique social type within the aging population.
- Their lived experiences challenge conventional notions of loneliness and social isolation in old age.
- The findings highlight the need for tailored support and understanding for this demographic.