Reciprocal patterns of support of very old people and their families

• Introduction: The aging population is often considered as a threat that will deplete family and societal resources. Yet older people may be a resource, giving support and care to their family. The aim of this study is to analyze patterns of giving and receiving support by the oldest old with their family. Method: Data were used from the OCTO2- study, a Swedish population-based sample of 171 women and 156 men, 75–90  years. Respondents completed the Intergenerational Support Index to examine patterns of receiving and giving care and support and factors associated with support exchanges. Results: Results showed that the oldest old gave as much support as they received within the family. Most of the older persons receiving formal help from the community (79%) continued giving support to family. The most common types of support given and received within the family were emotional (89% given, 90% received) and practical (44% given, 46% received). Older persons gave more financial support (26%) than they received (2%). Age, gender, functioning in daily life activities and satisfaction with life were associated with giving different types of family support. Conclusion: Old-old people in Sweden are not just consumers of care, but are involved in reciprocal patterns as receivers and providers of care and support. It is not a simple opposition between being a giver and receiver of informal support simultaneously, but more knowledge is needed about the complex interplay between various form of care and support.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap -- Gerontologi, medicinsk/hälsovetenskaplig inriktning (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Other Medical and Health Sciences -- Gerontology, specialising in Medical and Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

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