Information on male linkage is usually generalized from studies of female linkage and the saliency of the father-son tie in later life is unclear. The importance of the father-son tie was examined in 56 men aged 65 and older through a comparative analysis designed to compare the levels of association and helping between fathers and sons to those…

Although the support network of elderly individuals has received increased attention recently, most research has focused on the parent child relationship without examining other levels of kin interrelations. To examine the help received by rural-transitional older adults from their consanguineous kin (adult children, grandchildren, siblings,…

Analyzed data from 99 grandfathers living in rural transitional areas with regard to patterns of association, helping, and levels of affect. Results showed the grandfather role is of little relative importance as seen through low levels of interaction and priority as a role. Geographical proximity was most consistently related to the…

Examined extent to which adult sons were incorporated into support network of older rural fathers (N=56). Results revealed that sons played relatively minor role in support network of older fathers as seen through helping and moderately active role through association. Association could be explained through proximity. (Author/NB)

The immediate family of an elderly person is often a major social support, and the major responsibility for care of the aged has fallen traditionally to female family members. Since more women today are working, they may have less time for such family responsibilities. To examine the effects of daughters' employment on their helping behaviors…

Results showed few social, economic, or psychological consequences as a result of childlessness. Changes in the life situations of childless adults would appear to leave this group with limited alternatives. The findings provide evidence of the need to strengthen the informal helping networks of older adults. (Author)

The theoretical model of Bengtson et al (l976) for the measurement of intergenerational solidarity proposes that dependency needs and residential proximity modify helping behavior, while filial responsibility mediates the effects of residential proximity. To examine the relative importance of the model in predicting parent/child solidarity among a…