Topic 7 - describing family relationships grandparents Flashcards
What is the aim of this?
Over 10 million people in the UK are 65 years or older
This will double by 2050
Therefore, the aim of this is to see how the impact of an aging population has on family relationships
Introduction?
People are living longer and healthier lives, contributing to significant demographic changes alongside shifts in family structures, such as increased child freedom, rising divorce rates, and the emergence of beanpole families. Many grandparents are stepping into parental roles, caring for grandchildren while their parents work.
The social construction of age?
Historically, life expectancy was short, with few living beyond 70 and many experiencing ill health before death. Today in the UK, the “third age” refers to an active retirement phase where people are healthy and fit but not working full-time. This period can last many years before transitioning into the elderly or dependent phase.
Grandparenthood + family support?
Functionalists and the New Right often overlook the extended family, which plays a crucial role in providing emotional and financial support. In modern Britain, grandparents are a key source of childcare, with the average age of becoming a grandparent between 47 and 54. When families break down, extended family members often step in to offer support. Estimates suggest that grandparents provide 40 to 70% of childcare, especially in disadvantaged families where their roles are essential for practical and emotional assistance. Typically, grandparents are unpaid for this caregiving, which can add complexity, particularly for women who may also care for their elderly parents and have jobs. Those in their 50s balancing these responsibilities are referred to as the “sandwich generation.”
Caring for the elderly?
As people age, they often become more vulnerable and may need support to live independently. Many older individuals experience loneliness and are at risk for depression, particularly due to ill health or bereavement; this is especially true for older men, who tend to have fewer social contacts. Research by Bryan indicates that most caregivers are women, often in their 40s and 50s. Additionally, changes in pensions have led to an upward trend in retirement, with an estimated 3 million workers employed in the care industry.
Relationships between adult children and the elderly?
Elderly wellbeing is closely linked to social contact with their children. Factors affecting this contact include geographical distance, work hours, and technology use. There is increasing awareness of elder abuse, often perpetrated by family members, with victims typically over 70 years old who may be exploited or harmed by their relatives or caregivers.
