Intergenerational Exchange Between Older Couples and Their Non-Coresident Children: Comparison between 2008 and 2017

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences over time in patterns of support exchanges between older couples and their non-coresident adult children, and the characteristics of the adult children as correlates of support exchange patterns. Data were drawn from the Survey on the Elderly Life Condition in 2008 and 2017. The analytic sample consisted of 4,415 couples (2,265 couples in 2008 and 2,150 couples in 2017) who were 60 years old or older and had at least one adult child living independently at the time of survey. For analyses, latent profile and logistic regression models were estimated. The latent profile analysis was applied to 12 indicators of exchanges (emotional, instrumental, and I(ADL) assistance support given to or received from non-coresident adult children). Five profiles of intergenerational exchanges were identified in both survey years (high; moderate; little exchange across all types of support; exchange of emotional support; and dependence on children for all types of support) with one difference. In 2017, wives in exchange of emotional support profile also exchanged moderate to high levels of instrumental support with non-coresident children. With regard to other differences over time, reciprocal support exchange patterns across emotional, instrumental, and physical support declined over time. Instead, the proportions of older couples in the little exchange or dependence on children profiles increased. As for correlates of support exchange patterns, parents with daughters were overall found to report more intergenerational exchanges in 2017 compared to 2008, but they did not necessarily receive support for their I(ADL) limitations. The results implied that intergenerational exchange profiles could be divided into diverse types and the proportion and covariates for each profile could vary over time.