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Never-married elderly. A reassessment with implications for long-term care policy
Research on Aging
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Never-married elderly are socially active and not isolated. Contrary to some beliefs, they may not face a higher risk of institutionalization compared to other marital groups.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
Background:
- The social support networks and life situations of never-married elderly remain unclear.
- Past research on institutionalization risk for this group is mixed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reexamine the life situation of never-married elderly.
- To compare never-married elderly with married, widowed, and divorced/separated elderly on health, social interaction, and household/family structure.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of never-married elderly against other marital status groups.
- Examination of health, social interaction, and household and family structure.
Main Results:
- Never-married elderly demonstrate active social engagement.
- Evidence suggests they are not socially isolated.
- Findings indicate a potentially lower risk of institutionalization compared to other marital groups.
Conclusions:
- Never-married elderly maintain active social lives.
- They do not appear to be at a significantly higher risk for institutionalization.