Work

Changes in Americans’ Views on Who Should Provide and Pay for Assistance to Older Adults with Activity Limitations, 2012 to 2022

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: An aging U.S. population means more older adults in need of care over time. Although government programs that supply financial support for older adults receive high levels of backing, social norms dictate that when it comes to care - families should be held responsible. Although families do provide most of the care that older adults receive, it can often be in balance with more formal provisions like paid care. However, there is a divide between what older people themselves feel is best compared to other groups. We ask: what are American attitudes toward the provision of eldercare and payment for such care, how have these attitudes changed in the last decade, and are there differences by age? We use cross-sectional data from the 2012 and 2022 General Social Survey (GSS) and find that younger adults were more likely to support government provision and payment for eldercare over time.

Source: Socius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World

DOI: 10.1177/23780231231225574

Authors: Sarah E. Patterson, Adriana M. Reyes

Institutions: University of Michigan, Cornell University

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000