An increasing number of studies have addressed issues related to the
social inclusion of older people. However, research in this area has so
far paid scant attention to the gender dimension. Our work focuses
specifically on gender differences in social inclusion of older men and
women, defined as people aged 65 and over. Using data from the 2001
Census and the 2000-01 General Household Survey, we first present a
portrait of the social conditions of older men and women with respect to
their demographic, social and economic characteristics. Then we ask
whether existing patterns are going to persist in the future with the
aid of available population projections. Finally, we begin investigating
differences among older men and women with respect to the degree of
social inclusion they might experience. The latter is defined in terms
of (i) use of services, (ii) provision of care and (iii) participation
to social networks. A preliminary analysis of the data seems to reveal
that while older men and women are rather similar amongst the ‘youngest’
old, gender differences become significantly stronger among the oldest
age groups. Also, differences between men and women along the three
dimensions of social inclusion seem to be fairly well explained by
differences in family arrangements. We conclude that recent trends in
family dynamics are particularly important in order to address the
future service needs of older men and women.
Presented by:
Emilia Del Bono, ISER (joint with Emanuela Sala)
Date & time:
April 12, 2006 12:00 pm - April 11, 2006 11:00 pm
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