Aging and Generational Relations over the Life-Course: A Historical and Cross-Cultural Perspective

Focusing on contemporary Europe, the United States, and Asia, the essays written for this volume examine generational relations over the life course. The theme taken up by each chapter in turn is the impact of social change on generational supports in the later years of life. By following a life-course perspective, as against a purely gerontological one, contributors illuminate the ways in which relationships of caregiving are formed throughout a life and adapted in relation to institutional and societal changes.

The volume makes an important contribution to understanding these issues within the societies discussed and establishes cross-cultural links beyond the separate societies. It also yields significant implications for public policy governing the intergenerational issues that face all societies as the life course lengthens.