INFORMAL CARE NETWORKS AMONG ADULTS AGING SOLO

This peer-reviewed study examines social and caregiving networks among older adults who are aging without spouses, partners, or children living nearby. Using data from 2,998 Medicare beneficiaries, the researchers found that these adults had similarly sized but more diverse social networks than married peers with nearby children, and relied more on paid care and informal support from extended family and friends. The findings suggest that social networks could be leveraged to help this growing population plan for future care needs.

Key points

• 7.6% of the study sample were aging solo (no spouse/partner or children in the same state)
• Adults aging solo had social networks of similar size to married peers but with greater diversity (more friends and neighbors)
• They were significantly more likely to rely on paid help and a wider network of informal caregivers including distal family and friends
• The study used 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study data for community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries receiving help with tasks like bathing, shopping, or insurance help

Limitations

This study focuses on older adults receiving paid and informal care assistance, not children. The findings cannot inform policy or interventions related to child well-being, child development, child protection, or child participation.