Longer life expectancy, especially an increase in the number of old-old, 80+ indicate that elder care by family members will stretch over many years, combining work and caregiving. Population aging, thus, is one of the major factors influencing changes in intergenerational family relations, and pose challenges to countries in health, labor supply and economic growth. The theme of globalization became influential in social gerontology and a force driving changes in later life through its impact on aspects of social policy and acceleration of migration and urbanization on family life.
The session will contribute to research, policy and practice on linkages between intergenerational family care relations to work, economics and health of elders and their families in various cultural contexts, looking also at future challenges. A recent review on the impact of informal care outlined that caregiving tends to lower the quality of the caregiver’s psychological health, which also has a negative impact on physical health outcomes. Similarities found in the aging process, imply a global approach that emphasizes sharing of research knowledge cross-nationally and cross-culturally. A large body of the caregiving literature has focused on the relationships between elders and their family caregivers through the lenses of caregivers’ stress and burden. However, family care is changing, with a shift towards more complex roles and responsibilities as older adults engage in paid work, and care for multiple family members across and within generations.  There is a need for further research and investigation in order to better identify and appreciate the complexities of intergenerational relationships which impact individuals, families and wider society. Thus, to fully understand the above issues a broader, interdisciplinary contextual perspective is needed which will facilitate the generation of new knowledge. Contributors are from different countries, disciplines and will reflect on various aspects of elder care.
Conveners and Discussants
Ariela Lowenstein, Dept. of Gerontology and Center for Research & Study of Aging, The University of Haifa Israel, ariela@research.haifa.ac.il
Ruth Katz, Dept. of Human Services, The University of Haifa Israel, ruth@soc.haifa.ac.il