Precarious Aging: Insecurity and Risk in Late Life

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology of Aging
• Social Policy

Background:

• Population aging and increased longevity present unique challenges.
• Declining social commitments raise concerns about older adults' well-being.
• Existing research highlights issues of disadvantage and inequality in later life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of precarity as a framework for understanding insecurity in late life.
• To analyze how new and sustained forms of insecurity affect older populations.
• To illustrate the deepening of disadvantage through the interplay of precarity, time, and austerity.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis using the lens of precarity.
• Qualitative examination of insecurity in the context of population aging.
• Exploration of the relationship between precarity, austerity, and disadvantage over time.

Main Results:

• Precarity offers a valuable framework for understanding diverse insecurities faced by older adults.
• Sustained experiences of precarity, especially during austerity, significantly worsen disadvantage.
• The intersection of longevity and reduced social support amplifies risks for the elderly.

Conclusions:

• Precarity is a critical concept for addressing the complex challenges of an aging population.
• Policy interventions must consider the multifaceted nature of insecurity and disadvantage in later life.
• Addressing precarity is essential for promoting well-being and reducing inequality among older adults.