Lecture Notes on Aging and Family Structures
Young Old & Life Expectancy
- People aged 65-70 are often considered "young old".
- Men generally have a shorter life expectancy than women.
Social Security
- Social Security was enacted to provide retirement income for aging individuals.
- Historically, poverty was prevalent among retirement-age individuals.
- Social Security and Medicare have improved the financial situation of the elderly.
- Social Security typically accounts for around 40% of a person's retirement income, on average.
- Despite Social Security benefits, approximately 10% of the population still lives in poverty.
Elder Care
- Spouses provide approximately 40% of elder care.
Retirement Satisfaction
- Life satisfaction tends to increase during retirement years, especially in egalitarian relationships.
- Companionate relationships are generally expected in the U.S. today.
Marriage and Divorce
- Approximately 50% of marriages end in divorce.
- Step-mothers often desire inclusion in family activities but do not want to replace the biological mother.
- Second marriages are less frequent than first marriages.
- 42% of people are involved in step-marriages.
- The creation of stepfamilies is increasingly due to cohabitation.
Domestic Partnership & Cohabitation
- Domestic partnerships and cohabitation contribute to the decline in marriage rates.
Stepfamilies
- Most stepfamilies report being generally happy.
Custody
- Residential custody refers to the parent with whom the child lives.
- Joint custody involves both parents sharing custody responsibilities.
Life Expectancy and Race
- Life expectancy varies by race.
- Hispanic women tend to live the longest.
- Stepfamilies can be formed through loss (e.g., death of a parent).
Divorce Rate
- The divorce rate has declined by 40%.