This advanced textbook covers issues of family ties and aging broadly, the goal being to provide an integrated and thorough representation of what we know from the current research. Whereas books on families and aging have traditionally focused on ties to a spouse and to children and grandchildren, Family Ties & Aging is more extensive and more reflective of contemporary society. The text includes groups and relationships that typically receive short shrift, exploring such neglected populations as single, divorced, and childless older people and their family relationships, as well as sibling relationships among the elderly, live-in partnerships not formalized by marriage, and the kinds of family ties forged by gay and lesbian persons over the life course. The book weaves the vast range of information we now have about the many facets of family relationships and aging into a critical, comprehensive, and integrated whole.

"At last: a book that melds research on family ties in later life inclusively. Connidis' book is not simply a research compendium but a theoretical synthesis of value to both scholars and students. Connidis' clear writing style makes it an excellent choice for students... I recommend this book both to teachers and researchers in the areas of family and aging." -- JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY Presenting a broad examination of the issues surrounding family ties and aging, this advances textbook provides an integrated and thorough representation of current research in the field. Whereas book on families and aging have traditionally focused on ties to a spouse and to children and grandchildren, Connidis's coverage is more extensive and more reflective of contemporary society. She includes groups and relationships that have typically been neglected, such as single, divorced, and childless older people and their family relationships, as well as sibling relationships among the elderly, live-in partnerships not formalized by marriage, and the family ties forged by gays and lesbians over their life course. Family Ties and Aging weaves the vast range of information we now have about the many facets of family relationships and aging into a critical, comprehensive, and integrated whole.

Providing an integrated and thorough representation from current research and contemporary society, Family Ties and Aging shows how pressing issues of our time—an aging population, changing family structures, and new patterns of work-family balance—are negotiated in the family lives of middle-aged and older adults. Focusing on key questions such as "How do current trends and social arrangements affect family relationships?" and "What are the implications of what we know for future research, theory, practice, and policy?", authors Ingrid Arnet Connidis and Amanda E. Barnett explore groups and relationships that are typically overlooked, including the unique family situations of older single and childless persons, sibling ties, older lesbian and gay adults, and new forms of intimate relationships. The Third Edition is thoroughly updated to include the latest research and theoretical developments, recent media coverage of related issues, and new information on intimate relationships in later life and elder neglect/abuse.

NEW TO THIS EDITION: Key themes and theoretical orientation have been expanded to reflect developments in the field including the concept of ambivalence and increased attention to how what happens inside families relates to what happens outside them. Each chapter begins with questions to consider to guide readers' their learning as they pay attention to the critical issues. New discussion of current issues on research and policy. Chapters have been reorganized for emphasis and to bring clarity to the flow of ideas. The long-term intimate ties of middle-aged and older persons - spouse or partner, gay or straight - are explored in Chapters 3 and 4. The chapter on transitions in intimate relationships is now two chapters: Chapter 5 on transitions in intimate ties and Chapter 7 on new opportunities for intimacy in later life. Other intimate relationships and opportunities, including cohabitation, LAT (living apart together) and dating are discussed in Chapter 7. The growing complexity of family ties over the life course and the changing realities of what it is to be single or childless are examined. Discussion of the family lives of gay and lesbian middle-aged and older persons throughout in order to be deliberately inclusive regarding all aspects of family life rather than isolating the family ties of gay and lesbian persons in a separate chapter. Updated discussion of a range of research and policy issues as they relate to understanding and supporting complex and diverse family ties in the later stages of life. KEY FEATURES: Weaves the vast range of information about the many facets of family relationships and aging into a critical, comprehensive, and integrated whole. Explores a range of intimate relationships, what happens when they end, and pathways to intimacy in old age. Emphasizes diversity in terms of gender, age, class, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation throughout to help readers learn about similarities and differences in family relationships as we age. Links the discussion of various family relationships in mid- and later life to current and future directions for research, practice, and policy. Chapters and sections end with a summary and conclusion, and quotes from various sources are used throughout to bring concepts to life.

A challenging look at the way relationships between parents and their adult children remain strong in the midst of social change.

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In "Family Ties: Strengthening Bonds Across Generations," Avery Nightingale explores the profound impact of aging on family dynamics and societal structures. As advances in healthcare and lifestyle lead to longer lifespans, the percentage of the global population over 65 is set to triple by 2050. Nightingale delves into the complexities of these demographic shifts, emphasizing the importance of policies that respect the dignity and autonomy of the elderly while fostering intergenerational support systems. This insightful work highlights the need for a holistic understanding of social structures and living arrangements to create communities where knowledge, experiences, and care are shared across generations. "Family Ties" is a compelling call to action for nations to recognize and adapt to the demographic, economic, and cultural dimensions of our aging population, ensuring that families remain strong and interconnected in an ever-evolving world.