Relationship Transitions Among Older Cohabitors: The Role of Health, Wealth, and Family Ties

TitleRelationship Transitions Among Older Cohabitors: The Role of Health, Wealth, and Family Ties
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsVespa, J
JournalJournal of Marriage and Family
Volume75
Issue4
Pagination933-949
KeywordsAdult children, Demographics, Healthcare
Abstract

This study explored how health, wealth, and family ties shape older cohabitors' chances of marrying or separating. Drawing on rational choice and exchange theories, the author argues these factors affect women and men differently because the rewards, alternatives, and barriers of later-life union formation differ by gender. The study used panel data from the 1998-2006 Health and Retirement Study and a sample of cohabitors 50 and older (N = 1,136). For older female cohabitors, large families and entitlement income lower the risk of marrying, whereas close social networks raise the risk of separating. Moreover, health and wealth have an interactive relationship in that the risk of marrying is highest for unhealthy male cohabitors when they are very wealthy but is highest for the poorest female cohabitors when they are in excellent health. Older men may be exchanging economic resources for caregiving, and cohabitation may be an adaptive response to the gendered costs and barriers of later-life union formation.

Notes

Times Cited: 0

DOI10.1111/jomf.12040
Endnote Keywords

Cohabitation/Family theory/Gerontology/Marriage/Mate selection

Endnote ID

69194

Citation Key7878