Aging and intergenerational care
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Abstract
Objectives. The evaluation and identification of support flows within the family, and the people involved in helping the elderly.
Material and methods. Between 2016-2017 multiple questionnaires were applied to a total of 601 patients aged 55-93 years. In addition, between 2015-2017, face-to-face interviews with 50 subjects were organized on 4 themes, one on intergenerational support.
Results. The main beneficiaries of the respondents' support were children and parents (over 80%). The main providers of support to the respondents were children and parents (over 60%). Another major provider of support was the partner. Helpers were other relatives, but also religious community or clubs for the elderly. More than three-quarters declared that the most upsetting problems in the last year were those related to health, the lack of money and, at a great distance, the family tensions. Most mentioned that the greatest joys were the children, grandchildren, the family, followed at a great distance by travels. The type of support was based on age-specific needs. Individuals with bidirectional support, with the sense of usefulness, with a positive view of life, the extraverted and the sociable were better positioned.
Conclusions. In Romania, the family is preferred as concerns the care for the elderly. The most vulnerable elderly people are those with health problems and low incomes. Social isolation must be prevented through the civic and cultural participation of the elderly in society. The encouragement of people to monitor and improve their health should be constantly promoted.
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