Determinants of the Complex Interchange among Generations

Abstract

The couple and family orientation of sociallife and the value attached to sociability make the family a main reference point in the aging process, and aging needs should thus be explored wirhin the context of the fam- ily (Brubaker, 1990). Thus, in order to assure the quality of life of older people, and contribute to family cohesion and intergenerational family sol- idarity, societal and familial changes should be discussed and examined. These include changing demographics, particularly the phenomenon of global aging; changing family structures and support patterns; changing family preferences for care; increased participation of women (the tradi- tional caregivers) in the Iabor force; changing economic patterns; changing living arrangements of older people; and globalization and technological changes. This chapter addrcsses most of these changes and their salience to intergenerational family solidarity and social solidarity. M4 - Citavi