A pilot study is described in which four- to five-hour tape-recorded interviews were conducted with 11 homosexual women and men, 60-77 years of age. Areas examined included: physical change and physical health; work, retirement and leisure time; social behavior; psychological functioning; sexual behavior; and personal perspectives on the life…

This paper represents an attempt to lessen the schisms between family sociology, gerontology, and family practice. An interview format is used to illustrate one way through which specific issues may be addressed. (Author)

This paper explores some social, situational, and personal factors associated with remarriage in old age, and focuses on role changes associated with remarriage. The findings were obtained through in-depth interviews with 24 remarried elderly couples. Remarriage is seen as a viable option in old age, deserving attention and encouragement. (Author)

This paper attempts to reassess the role of grandparent from a social class perspective. The role is analyzed first as a "peculiar noninstitution" for middle-class families in the United States. Grandparenting is shown to differ by degree of "functional centrality" in middle-class families and families of lower socioeconomic status. (Author)

This paper examines the need and the context for alternative living arrangements for older persons, and describes some recent attempts to devise new family arrangements for the elderly. Particular attention is focused upon Share-A-Home in Florida, a "family" of nonrelated senior adults who share their own household expenses. (Author)

This paper explores the older woman's place in our nation's economy, with special emphasis on the impact of employment levels, pension plans, and Social Security benefits. It concludes that preservation of the family as an institution depends on making marriage and divorce more equitable relationships. (Author)

The role of the elderly differs with their different social organizations. In closed religious societies, secure interpersonal family relations, established in childhood, continue until death. In secular urban society, individualism and the nuclear family often leave the old person emotionally stranded. (Author)

This paper analyzes 12 contemporary textbooks in family sociology for their portrayal of older families and older family members. Recommendations are made with regard to both the content and the context of materials on aging families in sociology textbooks. (Author)

This paper reviews literature and reports empirical data concerning filial responsibility (FR) expectations and realizations among 595 low-income, elderly parents. Age, marital status, income, and health were significantly associated with both FR expectations and realizations; race was unrelated to either. (Author)

The nature of crisis states, developmental characteristics of the older family, and reemergent family conflicts are each explored as they affect family mobilization in times of crisis. Specific recommendations are offered for minimizing barriers to effective family crisis work. (Author)

A critical review of demographic trends and the research literature suggests a transition from relationships based upon obligation to those voluntarily assumed and maintained by aged parents and their adult offspring. (Author)