bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consistency in Adult Functioning: The Influence of Social Stress
Authors: Chiriboga David A. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTGuided by three models of adult development, this paper both describes and predicts change in several dimensions of personal functioning, based on a study of 216 men and women who in 1969 were high school seniors, newlyweds, middle-aged parents, and pre-retirees. They were re-interviewed two, five, seven and eleven years later. From the descriptive phase of analysis a number of changes were found, especially among measures of specific emotional experiences, medical visits, and positive life events. The results also indicated that general statements about stability and change can be misleading.In the predictive phase, hierarchical set multiple regression statistics demonstrated that two of the more commonly studied dependent variables, symptomatology and happiness, follow different pathways. Stressful life events proved to be strong predictors of both dependent variables for both men and women.
Ageing, Development and Social Service Delivery Systems in Latin America: Problems and Perspectives
Authors: Tapia-Videla Jorge I. , Parrish Charles J. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTEconomic development in Latin America has facilitated the broadening and improvement of governmental services in public health, social security and public administration. These improvements, particularly in public health, have precipitated changes in rates of morbidity and mortality. Many countries have also experienced a fall in birth rates during this period. The result of people living longer and having fewer children is a progressive ageing of Latin American societies. This article explores some critical questions posed by the ageing of populations in these societies. Within the context of varying patterns of national development, special emphasis is placed on the systemic potential for politico-administrative response in the area of social and health services.
Structural Antecedents of Psychoactive Drug Use Among the Elderly
Authors: Green Brent 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTCurrent literature on the over use of psychoactive drugs by elderly people suggests that alienation, poverty, rolelessness and lack of drug experience in earlier life are principal causes. But these are mainly empirical observations which have not been ordered into any theoretical framework. In proposing the applicability of the concept of ‘internal colonialism’ as a mode of explanation, the paper presents a survey of drug use prevalence as a basis for later conceptual analysis. It is concluded that drug misuse is an institutionalized response which perpetuates dependency.
Economic Crisis and Old Age
Authors: Gaullier Xavier 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTIn France, owing to the current economic crisis, a new old age has emerged consisting of individuals of 50 to 65 years, not yet retired, unemployed and definitively excluded from the world of work, thereby representing a new category of population, whom we will henceforth refer to as the early-terminated. The political, psychological and behavioural responses of the socio-economic sub-groups within this category are analysed from the author's research findings in the iron and steel and textile industries.The second part of this article attempts to situate this particular group within a changing framework of ideologies on the nature of old age, and on policies for the management of industrial change, for retirement and for the elderly. The author distinguishes three definitions of old age in France, from his own empirical studies in specific regions (Grenoble, Paris) and on state policy since 1945. In the first (post-war) period, old age became ‘retirement’; in the second (19605 and early 19705), ‘the third age’; in the third (present period), old age is being defined by economic forces and factors.
Ageing in Rural Communities: Family Contacts and Community Integration
Authors: Wenger G. Clare 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTBased on a study of the elderly in rural communities, the paper makes comparisons with data from more urban studies in the U.K. The findings indicate that while availability of and contact with family members is comparable, satisfaction with the amount of contact is considerably higher in the rural context. This higher level of satisfaction holds even for retired migrants who have less contact. It is suggested that satisfaction may be higher because needs for contact are met by a greater variety of other forms of association and support. The data demonstrate that the rural elderly do in fact have higher levels of contact with neighbours; are more likely to belong to voluntary associations; are more likely to belong to a religious group and to be visited by the clergy, and are more likely to become involved in sparetime activities which enhance the likelihood for social contact. Dependency on family, therefore, appears to be lower. While rural communities do not appear to preserve family cohesion, opportunities for community integration are enhanced and are reflected in higher levels of satisfaction.
Research with elderly people in long-term care: some social and organisational factors affecting psychological interventions
Authors: Davies Ann D. M. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe problems of introducing change in long-term care settings for elderly people are discussed in relation to social, psychological and organisational factors operating within the institution. It is argued that the poor maintenance and generalisation of many behavioural interventions is in part due to researchers adopting too narrow a framework. Four issues are discussed and illustrated: 1. The role of the researcher in relation to care staff. 2. Relationships with elderly patients. 3. Change as criticism. 4. Conflicting policies within the institution.
Classifications of the elderly population
Authors: Jolliffe I. T. , Jones B. , Knapp M. R. J. , Morgan B. J. T. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTTo the existing ways of categorizing elderly individuals we here add a reasonably objective approach using recent survey data and statistical methods of multivariate analysis. The groupings obtained have been surprisingly clear-cut, so that simple rules can be devised for discriminating between clusters. We suggest this analysis as a useful way of gleaning information about elderly people, information which may help in the efficient allocation of services.
Cross Cultural Differences on the Facts on Ageing Quiz
Authors: Romeis James C. , Sussman Marvin B. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis report, using the ‘Facts on Ageing Quiz’ developed by Erdman Palmore as a measure, compares responses from US (N=206) and Japan (N=591) samples, thus adding a cross cultural dimension to the literature on age bias measurement. The scale taps for ‘facts’ and indirectly obtains evaluations of stereotypes and attitudes. The data indicate the FAQ is a reliable measure but the validity of the measure's age bias dimension is more complex than previously indicated. Contrary to normative expectations, the Japanese responses indicate a negative age bias that has implications for social norms which affect Japan's elderly.
The Social Construction of Ageing through Work: Economic Structure and Life-world
Authors: Kohli Martin , Rosenow Joachim , Wolf Jürgen 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe analysis of modern-age stratification systems must be based on the social organisation of work. This requires a theoretical approach that takes into account the structure of economic production, but also the fact that work is a meaningful activity of human beings within their life-world. The task therefore consists of integrating ‘materialist’ and ‘interpretive’ approaches to social reality. This integration is attempted in an examination of the special problems encountered by workers in the second half of their work life, as created by the ‘construction of ageing’ in the industrial firm. Existing approaches drawn from industrial sociology, stress structural features of the production process, whilst labelling theory stresses culturally induced age labels. Both are one-sided. A more comprehensive approach has to conceptualise the industrial firm as an actor with strategies based on economic rationality and as a life-world constituted by what is taken for granted by its members. The final section applies this framework to an empirical case study.
Elderly South Asians in Britain: A survey of relevant literature and themes for future research
Authors: Mays Nicholas 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe number of elderly Commonwealth South Asian immigrants in Britain originating from the Indian sub-continent will grow substantially in the next few years, yet there has been little consideration of this group in terms of academic social research. Indeed, welfare agencies are only beginning to become aware of the possible needs of this group. A survey of the scanty British literature on elderly ethnic minorities reveals the paucity of existing knowledge. However, studies from other countries, notably Japan and the U.S.A., suggest a number of illuminating areas for research. The presence of a culturally distinct Asian ethnic minority group experiencing ageing in British conditions appears to afford a good opportunity to throw further light on an important aspect of gerontological theory: namely the respective weight to be attached to cultural factors, social structure and the degree of societal modernisation in shaping the ageing process of individuals and groups.
Definitions of Friendship and their Consequences in Old Age
Authors: Matthews Sarah H. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTIn an attempt to gauge the quality of relationships, definitions of friendship were delineated through inductive analysis of transcripts of guided conversations with 30 men and 30 women aged 60 + who related their biographies using friendships as a constant referent. Two definitions of friendship were constructed, one which focuses on ‘friends as particular individuals’ and another which focuses on ‘friends as relationships’. Each is described in turn, followed by a discussion of the consequences of holding one or the other or both in old age. Suggestions for intervention strategies tailored to specific definitions are made.
An Alternative Perspective on Retirement a Dual Economic Approach
Authors: Hendricks Jon , McAllister Cathy E. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTA structural model for examining retirement is presented in the context of a political economy of ageing. Contemporary capitalist economies may be conceived of in terms of macro-level organisation which results in a monopolistic core and competitive peripheral sectors. In turn this configuration serves to colour individual life-experience. Data on differential worker- and work-related characteristics are presented as a means of explicating the need for an alternative perspective to explain later life events. A proposed research agenda based on a consideration of both the status attainment and dual economic framework is put forward.
Economic Dependency in the 1980s: Its impact on Third World Elderly
Authors: Neysmith Sheila M. , Edwardh Joey 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper is to explore an alternative perspective for understanding individual and societal ageing within the context of global economic and social relations. The dependent status of Third World nations as a result of the process of capital accumulation is examined. It is argued that the manner in which Third World nations respond to the human needs of their old is subject to the relationship that entwines Third World and capitalist industralised nations. Moreover, it is argued that social policy and human service models are nurtured by the ideology underlying these economic relations. The assumptions behind two policy areas are examined. When diffused to Third World nations such social policies function to maintain national elites at the expense of the majority. In conclusion, questions are raised about the relevance of western models of ageing to the needs of old people in the Third World.
Nurses' Typifications of Nursing Home Patients
Authors: Gilliland Nancy , Brunton Anne 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTPrevious studies of the attitudes of nursing staff towards patients in hospitals have suggested that those who were mentally alert, young, acutely ill and in need of medical (not custodial) care, middle class, appreciative and co-operative were labelled ‘good’. Conversely the old, the poor, the chronically ill and the mentally disturbed were labelled ‘bad’. In the study reported here, of a single nursing home situated in the American midwest, these stereotypes are shown not to operate. A subset of these attitudes is none the less to be found which rewards cheerfulness, wittiness and appreciativeness. Favouritism amongst patients is examined as a significant influence on the care of residents who are all elderly and long-term sick.
Partial Pension Scheme Insights from the Swedish Partial Pensions Scheme
Authors: Blyton Paul 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAmong the changes occurring in patterns of working time there is evidence of a growing interest in ‘phased’ or ‘partial’ retirement, which seeks to ease the transition between work and retirement.Though a small number of companies in other countries have introduced this option, Sweden is unique in operating partial retirement on a national scale. The development of the Swedish partial pension scheme, since its introduction in 1976, is examined and reactions of older workers and employers reviewed.The final section draws a number of conclusions from the Swedish experience and considers some of the obstacles to the more widespread development of partial retirement.
The Cost of Residential Care for the Elderly: The Effects of Dependency, Design and Social Environment
Authors: Darton Robin , Knapp Martin 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTDespite the important role played by cost considerations in policy decisions regarding services for the elderly there has been relatively little reliable research on this topic. A large nationally representative survey of old people's homes conducted by the Personal Social Services Research Unit in England and Wales in 1981 provides a firm foundation for the careful examination of the cost of residential care. Focusing on residential homes in the public sector, the cost function analyses reported in this paper have a number of policy implications. The empirical results help to explain cost inflation and allow the prediction of future cost trends, they inform ‘balance of care’ discussions and inter-authority and inter-sectoral comparisons, and they provide evidence on the cost implications of scale, group-living design, day care and sheltered housing. Finally, the relationship between cost and social environment (a central component in any quality of care assessment) is examined. The results suggest that there is no significant association between the two.
Housing Tenure and Generational Equity
Authors: Kendig Hal. L. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTHome ownership is one of the principal ways of redistributing income over the life cycle. Older people who have bought homes during their working years have a substantial asset which cushions the financial shock of reduced income in old age. But those who have never been able to buy can be hard pressed as housing costs continue at high levels. This article examines the financial impacts of home ownership on inter- and intra-generational equity in Australia, Britain and the United States. It begins by showing how access to home-ownership has been influenced by the opportunities available to different social classes in different periods of history. After identifying the financial situation of older owners and tenants, the discussion considers how public policies toward housing tenure further reduce age-related inequalities yet increase them within the aged. The transfer of housing resources from older to younger generations is shown to perpetuate inequalities between generations and lineages. The paper concludes by exploring the policy implications of the increasing diversity in the resources of older people, and their improved economic circumstances relative to younger generations over the decades ahead.
Perceptions of Crime and Fear of Victimisation Among Elderly People
Authors: Clarke Alan H. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTMost of the research into fear of crime among the elderly has been conducted in the United States of America particularly during the past ten years. This paper begins by summarising the major findings which have emerged from this work. Attention is then turned to similar studies which have recently been undertaken in Britain. The findings from a small sample survey of elderly residents in a town in the south of England are then reported. In discussing the data obtained from eighty interviews fear of crime is considered in relation to perceptions of crime, the amount of social contact residents have with relatives, friends and neighbours and the nature and quality of the immediate residential environment.
The Structured Dependence of the Elderly as a Recent Development: Some Sceptical Historical Thoughts
Authors: Smith Richard M. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThere has recently emerged in the writings of those who have adopted an overtly ‘radical’ approach to social work and the welfare state, a coherent interpretation of how the status of older persons is lowered in the course of the development of industrial capitalism. The focus in these recent writings is on the social creation of dependent status and the structural determinants of the competitive relationship between elderly individuals and younger adults in the labour market. This paper reviews the arguments of this school of thought arguing firstly that it fails to take sufficient account of the longer term population history of England, suggesting that the contrast between the middle and later twentieth century and the nineteenth century is apparently so marked largely because of the atypicality of the latter period when high fertility and rapid demographic growth produced an historical minimum for the proportion of the elderly in the total population. A second failure in this recent radical or marxist research is that it also does not take sufficient account of the kinship system in north west Europe which appears to have created a situation of structured dependency of the elderly on the collectivity irrespective of the specific mode of production. Pre-industrial north west Europeans exhibited a striking contrast in this particular cultural trait with many, indeed most non-industrial societies outside Western Europe or regions populated by emmigrants from that area.
The Decline of Social Welfare: Falling State Support for the Elderly since Early Victorian Times
Authors: Thomson David 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTCurrent searchings for ways to trim a burgeoning social welfare budget come at the end of a long period of decline in the value of pensions. The social welfare benefits paid in Britain today are not as valuable, relative to the incomes of non-beneficiaries, as were the pensions paid during the first half of the twentieth century, and they are worth very much less than the allowances distributed by the nineteenth century Poor Law. Demographic changes, including the growing numbers of elderly persons, the movement of elderly persons towards living alone, the decline in household size, and the return of large numbers of women to the paid workforce, have overtaken the Welfare State, which has failed to develop a programme for redistributing resources between the generations.
Residential Isolation of the Elderly: A Comparison over Time
Authors: Wall Richard 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTSince 1962 there has been a marked increase in the number of elderly people in Britain living on their own. The present paper presents a detailed examination of the composition of households containing elderly persons in pre-industrial England, in 1962 and in 1980 in conjunction with an overview of the situation in a number of other European countries and in the United States. On the basis of this evidence it is argued that it is impossible to sustain the view of a linear progression from pre-industrial times when the elderly lived with their children to modern times when they live on their own. The final section takes up the question of the variation in the residence patterns of pensioners in England and Wales in 1981 following from the region of residence and the type of property occupied by the household. The highest proportion of pensioners living on their own were found in the eastern half of the country, excluding London and the adjacent metropolitan area, but including Manchester. Pensioners who were owner-occupiers were more likely than council tenants to be living with 2 or more non-pensioners. On the other hand, only in the case of the private tenant did the nature of the tenure remove all trace of the regional variation and the inference was drawn that social class, occupation and local tradition were influencing the residence patterns independently of the effect of tenure.
Family Care of the Elderly in a Nineteenth-Century Devonshire Parish
Authors: Robin Jean 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe focus of this paper is on the part played by children and relatives in the care of the elderly in a Devonshire parish in the mid-nineteenth century. The cohort of men and women aged 50–59 years recorded in the 1851 census was divided into two groups, according to whether or not the parish registers or censuses showed members to have had offspring who survived childhood. Cohort members and their families were then traced through the 1861 and 1871 censuses in order to establish their residence patterns at different stages in the life cycle. It was found that children, whether married or single, played a considerable part in providing care for their elderly parents. By contrast, relatives living in the same household as the elderly were more likely to be receiving than providing care. The possibility that a proportion of the cohort members who left the parish during the period did so to join children elsewhere was investigated through an examination of those of comparable age coming into the parish.
Age, Obsolescence and Unemployment, Older Men in the British Industrial System, 1920–1939: A Research Note
Authors: Riddle Stuart M. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe position of the older person in society as well as in the workforce is receiving an increasing amount of attention at the present time. However there is very little historical knowledge as to the forces which shaped the withdrawal of older persons from gainful economic activity earlier this century. The research outlined below explores some of the precedents which shaped contemporary attitudes towards older workers in general, and the relationship between age and unemployment in particular — during a period of low labour demand.