Personal relationships in later life

Explores personal relationships in later life including a wide range of topics such as (1) personal relationships and demographics, (2) nonkin partners and associates, including structures of partnerships, the nature of partnerships in later life, and outcomes or benefits, (3) friends and associates (patterns of association, reporting on characteristics of personal association in later life and benefits of older people), (4) relationships with kin (parents, siblings, children, and grandchildren), and (5) older people's personal relationships and the wider society, focusing on the social institutions of the wider society as well as the local community, the economy, cultural, educational, and political institutions, and finally religious affiliation and ethnic group membership. Final comments reflect on 3 relevant themes: the importance of the subjective experience, the dynamic nature of personal relationships in later life, and the control of older people over their relationships. Several topics are suggested for future research such as the continuing prevalence of age segregation in modern societies, tensions in personal relationships brought about by various transitions such as retirement from paid employment, and the consideration of whether and how intervention programs can be implemented to foster positive social relationships as a useful tool for helping people face challenges arising in later life. In conclusion, it is noted that older people can draw on a longer span of relationship experiences, qualifying them to be proficient managers and designers of well suited personal living arrangements.