Interdependence between the Social and Material Convoy: Links between Volunteering, Widowhood, and Housing Transitions

TitleInterdependence between the Social and Material Convoy: Links between Volunteering, Widowhood, and Housing Transitions
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsShen, H-W, Perry, TE
JournalSocial Work Research
Volume40
Issue2
Start Page71
Pagination71-82
Date Published03/2016
KeywordsOther, Retirement Planning and Satisfaction
Abstract

Relocation in older adulthood may occur due to triggering events, such as widowhood. Guided by Kahn and Antonucci s convoy model, this study explores the influence of volunteering on decision to relocate following the death of a spouse. Using three waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006, 2008, and 2010), 5,146 community-dwelling married older individuals who were 65 years or older in 2008 were included. Findings from two multinomial logistic regression models showed that widows and widowers who were not volunteering in 2008 were more likely to move out of area in 2010 than their married counterparts, whereas the relationship between widowhood and relocation was not detected among those involved in volunteering. This article emphasizes the interdependency of social relationships and residences, a fundamental of one s material convoy, for older adults. Volunteering experiences may not only affect instrumental and emotional support after the loss of a key anchor in one s social convoy, but may also facilitate a widowed older adult to age in place rather than relocate.

URLhttp://swr.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/03/28/swr.svw002.abstract
DOI10.1093/swr/svw002
Endnote Keywords

aging in place/environmental gerontology/productive aging/relocation/social convoys

Endnote ID

999999

Citation Key6468