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Kinlessness at Older Ages: Prevalence and Heterogeneity in 27 Countries.
Marta Pittavino1, Bruno Arpino2, Elena Pirani3
1Venice School of Management (VSM), Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy.
Summary
Kinlessness among older adults varies significantly across 27 countries, impacting 2-8% of individuals aged 65+. This study highlights the need for tailored support systems for this growing demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Demography
- Sociology of Aging
- Public Health
Background:
- Kinlessness, defined as lacking close kin, affects older adults.
- Previous research has not comprehensively estimated kinlessness prevalence across diverse European countries.
- Understanding kinlessness is crucial for developing support systems for vulnerable elderly populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide recent and detailed estimates of kinlessness prevalence among older individuals (65+) in 27 countries.
- To examine variations in kinlessness by age, sex, education, and rurality within countries.
- To analyze kinlessness using a broad range of kinship ties and varying definitions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from Wave 8 (2019-2020) of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).
- Estimated kinlessness prevalence in 26 European countries and Israel for individuals aged 65 and over.
- Applied both restrictive and less restrictive definitions of kinlessness.
Main Results:
- Kinlessness prevalence varied widely, with 2-3.5% lacking a partner and children in some countries, and over 8% in others.
- The percentage of older adults lacking all considered close kin ranged from 0.1% to 4.1%.
- Significant within-country heterogeneity was observed based on age, sex, and rurality, but not consistently by education.
Conclusions:
- Kinlessness prevalence among older adults differs substantially across European nations.
- Identifying kinless older adults is essential for policymakers and healthcare providers.
- Tailored support systems are needed for this potentially vulnerable demographic.
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