Publications
Chapter: Social Relations and the Family
2024
Antonucci, T. C., Manalel, J. A., Fenley, R. C., & Bial, M. C. (2024). Social relations and the family. In A Research Agenda for Ageing and Social Policy (pp. 151-166). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Jasmine Manalel
In this chapter we consider social relations within the family, especially how families help and hinder older people as they face two common age-related challenges: (1) geographic mobility, specifically migration; and (2) chronic disease, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). These issues are not new but have taken on increased importance in recent times. Reliance on family is a cultural keystone in many parts of the world. For families who are displaced, it can be the older person who provides a sense of stability. Conversely, should the older person become chronically ill destabilizing the family system, a concerted government response is necessary to ensure successful resettlement of the family. We argue that these challenges must be addressed in order to adequately prepare for ageing in the future. We provide recent empirical evidence, suggest relevant policy and outline areas where additional data are needed.