Ambivalence Among Intergenerational Relationships In Old Age. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: von Humboldt, Sofia; Costa, Andrea; Silva, Sara; Leal, Isabel
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 787
• Page End: 787
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.2904
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to analyze the perspectives of intergenerational relationships between older adults and adult children. For this purpose, a qualitative research was carried out, which analyzes these relations at a cross-national level. Methods: Four hundred and twenty four older participants aged 65-97 years, were interviewed. Participants were of three different nationalities and lived in the community. All the interviews went through the process of verbatim transcription and subsequent content analysis. Results: Two dimensions of generational ambivalence were revealed from the study; support and the conflict dimensions. Findings of content analysis produced six themes, which represent intergenerational relations between older adults and adult children: older adults-adult children interaction quality; family integration; care and support; definition of limits; distance and alienation; and communication difficulties. Conclusions: This study highlighted the diversity of experiences in old age, in relation to intergenerational relationships and underlined the conflicting expectations from older adults in relation to their adult children. Keywords: Adult children, ambivalence; conflict; intergenerational relationships; older adults; support.