Racial Differences in the Household Composition of Elders by Age, Gender, and Area of Residence

Abstract

Using census data and an innovative technique for describing the composition of households from the perspective of elders, this research provides a more detailed description of race differences in living arrangements of older persons than has previously existed. In addition, cross tabulations of race with other factors known to influence household composition (gender, age, and area of residence) are examined. While white women are more likely than black women to live alone, the reverse is true among men. Whites are more likely than blacks to live in married-couple-only households, and blacks are more likely than whites to live in multigenerational households, although these differences decrease with advancing age. Blacks are also more likely than whites to live with collateral kin or non-kin only, although these categories comprise small proportions of the population. Implications of these differences for caregiving and quality of life among older persons are discussed.

Living Arrangements and Health Status in Later Life: A Review of Recent Literature

“…African American older persons are more likely to live in extended family households, use fewer formal home care or nursing home services, experience more overall residential instability, and respond differently to trigger events than White older persons, regardless of their marital status, income, or functional ability (Angel & Hogan, 1991; Angel et al., 1992; Cagney & Agree, 1999; Chevan, 1995; Choi, 1995, 1999; Davis et al., 1996; Hays et al., 1995; Mutchler, 1990; Pynoos & Golant, 1996; Richards et al., 1987; Roan & Raley, 1996; Singh et al., 1998; Speare & Avery, 1993; Soldo, Wolf, & Agree, 1990; Suzman, Willis, & Manton, 1992; Wallace et al., 1998; Wolf, 1984; Wolinsky et al., 1992; Worobey & Angel, 1990b). These differences are particularly marked among women (Coward, Lee, Netzer, Cutler, & Danigelis, 1996a). Among U.S. minority groups, African American older persons are more likely than Hispanic older persons to head households with grandchildren and less likely to live as dependents in others' households, unless in poor health (Choi, 1999).…”

Implications of differential impacts of care-giving for future research on Alzheimer care

“…As a group, children of working class families and low-income families tend to reside in closer proximity, lack financial alternatives, and to be employed in positions that offer less flexibility (Abel, 1990;Merrill, 1997;Walker, 1983). At the same time, family structures most prevalent among low-income families and minority populations are least likely to conform to the "ideal" family that underpins current policy, making them less likely to qualify for assistance (Coward et al, 1996;Hooyman & Gonyea, 1995).…”

Caring for the Disabled: Applying Different Theoretical Perspectives to Understand Racial and Ethnic Variations Among Families

“…African Americans are less likely to rely on adult children for caregiving, even though they have more children on average than Whites, but are more likely to rely on extended family. African Americans were almost twice as likely as Whites to live with extended family (34.2% vs. 17.9%) (Coward, Cutler, Lee, Danigelis, & Netzer, 1996). They may rely on extended family for caregiving due to financial necessity, a structural factor, and cultural norms of filial responsibility in African Americans of all socioeconomic positions (Angel & Angel, 1997).…”