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Aging Together in Enduring Couple Relationships: A Life Course Systems Perspective.
Kandauda K A S Wickrama1, Catherine Walker O'Neal1, Tae Kyoung Lee2
1University of Georgia.
Journal of Family Theory & Review
|November 8, 2021
Summary
This study integrates life course and systems perspectives to understand how couples age together. It identifies relationship dynamics and contextual factors influencing partners' aging outcomes for better interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Systems Theory
Background:
- Aging is often studied individually, neglecting the dyadic nature of couples.
- Enduring relationships involve complex interactions that influence health and well-being over time.
- Existing research lacks a unified framework to analyze couple aging within broader contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an integrated life course systems perspective for studying couple aging.
- To conceptualize couples as functioning systems within a longitudinal life course framework.
- To identify multilevel relational mechanisms affecting partners' aging outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Bridging life course and systems theories to create a novel conceptual framework.
- Developing testable hypotheses regarding couple aging processes.
- Demonstrating analytical methodologies for couple aging research.
Main Results:
- The integrated perspective facilitates the identification of key relational mechanisms in aging.
- Socioeconomic and longitudinal contexts are crucial for understanding couple aging.
- Relationship dynamics significantly impact individual aging trajectories within couples.
Conclusions:
- The integrated life course systems perspective offers a robust framework for couple aging research.
- Understanding couple dynamics and context is vital for developing effective aging interventions.
- Further theoretical and analytical advancements are needed to fully explore couple aging processes.
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