Publication
Title
The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the level of contact between older parents and their non-coresident children : a European study
Author
Abstract
Objective: The present study aims to investigate changes in the frequency of parent-child contact among Europeans aged 65 years and over within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, while recognizing heterogeneity within the group of older adults. Background: Physical distancing measures have been implemented worldwide to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this policy has proven to be effective in flattening the curve, it undoubtedly posed a serious challenge to intergenerational relations. Experts hinted that physical distancing measures may have reduced older adults' level of contact with their non-coresident children. However, empirical evidence is lacking. Method: Data from the SHARE COVID-19 questionnaire and previous SHARE waves for 26,077 individuals from 26 European countries and Israel were used and analyzed using multilevel multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: The analysis revealed that older adults' level of intergenerational contact remained stable or even increased - rather than decreased - during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the overall positive outcome, some subgroups (i.e., older men, residents of nursing homes, less educated older adults and older adults living in countries with less stringent COVID19 measures) were more likely to report reduced intergenerational contact. Conclusion: Although variation was observed among older adults, the pandemic generally did not pose a threat to their level of intergenerational contact with non-coresident children.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of family research. - Bamberg, 2020, currens
Publication
Bamberg : University of Bamberg Press , 2022
ISSN
2699-2337
DOI
10.20377/JFR-695
Volume/pages
34 :1 (2022) , p. 512-537
ISI
000785566900019
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
The strengths of intergenerational ties in the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative study.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 22.09.2021
Last edited 26.09.2022
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