Differences over time in older people's relationships with children and siblings

Abstract

Based on data from the Bangor Longitudinal Study of Ageing, this paper examines changes over 16 years (1979–1995) in the relationships of older people (aged 65 or over in 1979) with their children and siblings. The study uses latent class analysis to categorise the relationships into two types based on four components of intergenerational solidarity: structural, associational, affectional and functional. The two types of relationship identified are close knit and loose knit. Results show a change in relationship types over time. Overall, relationships with parents decreased in solidarity. Relationships with mothers showed a smaller decrease in close knit relationships than with fathers; sibling relationships of parents became more loose knit, but remained stable and closer for those who were childless. 71 per cent of those aged 80 or over had at least one close knit relationship with either a sibling or child. Gender differences exist in the development of relationships over time: fathers had more loose knit relationships with children than mothers, and male-male sibling dyads did not strengthen over time.