Populations

15 pages, 714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Projected Demographic Trends in the Likelihood of Having or Becoming a Dementia Family Caregiver in the U.S. Through 2060

by Esther M. Friedman, Jessie Wang, Margaret M. Weden, Mary E. Slaughter, Regina A. Shih and Carolyn M. Rutter

Populations 2025, 1(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/populations1020010 - 20 May 2025

Abstract

This study predicts how sociodemographic trends—smaller family sizes, increased longevity, and marital patterns—could affect family care for people with dementia through 2060. By coupling dementia information from the Health and Retirement Study with a well-established kinship microsimulation model, we analyze the impact of demographic changes on the future care landscape, focusing on changes in race and gender differences in two key areas: (1) the availability of family caregivers for people with dementia, and (2) the likelihood of having a family member with dementia, among those without dementia. Our model projections suggest that future dementia cohorts will be more likely to have a living spouse than the current ones, with diminishing gender disparities due to increased male longevity. However, racial disparities will persist, particularly for Black women. The likelihood of older adults lacking spouses, children, and siblings will increase, but remain low. For potential caregivers, we predict an increased likelihood and longer duration of exposure to family members with dementia in future birth cohorts, particularly for Black individuals, potentially placing more people at risk of the adverse health and well-being outcomes associated with caregiving. Full article

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17 pages, 2636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Older Adult Surge and Social Welfare Inequalities in Italy: The Impact of Population Ageing on Pensions and the Welfare System

by Carlo Maccheroni, Nadia Mignolli, Roberta Pace and Giuseppe Venere

Populations 2025, 1(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/populations1020009 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 326

Abstract

The accelerated growth of older adults (the over-65s) in Italy fits within the context of the complex, hybrid nature of the pension system and the welfare benefits financed by tax revenues, which often overlap. As a result, older adults are experiencing growing inequalities in living and health conditions across the three Italian macro-areas (the North, Centre, and South and Islands), as well as between genders. This study aims to examine the sustained growth of older adults in Italy, with a particular emphasis on their most vulnerable segment—i.e., the over-85s. Drawing on mortality trends and the consequent increases in life expectancy at advanced ages, through indicators of mortality and life expectancy, the analysis explores how variations in the structure and distribution of pension benefits have produced significant territorial disparities. These disparities have, in turn, contributed to widening inequalities in household living conditions, especially regarding access to social assistance and long-term care services. Full article

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15 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

All in the Family: Pets and Family Structure

by Leora E. Lawton

Populations 2025, 1(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/populations1020008 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 578

Abstract

Although other studies have utilized demographic variables to characterize pet owners, this study incorporates a demographic framework that considers different family structures—couples and singles, with or without children—to better understand the place of pets within families. This article explores the extent to which pets fit into families in either substitute or complementary family roles, whether the inclusion of pets in families is subject to resource constraints or cultural proclivities. Data are from the 2023 Pew Research Social Trends study, a nationally representative telephone survey of 5073 respondents, analyzed using bivariate and multinomial models. Results indicate that couples without children are just as likely to be a dog-only household as are the traditional pet-owning families of couples with young children. They are also more likely to have cats, with or without dogs, compared to couples with young children. Homeownership makes pets, especially dogs, more feasible for families. The results suggest that pets are considered as substitutes and/or complements for other family members. Pets may be more affordable and attainable substitutes and/or complements for human family members, provided there are both human and spatial resources, filling a niche created by changes in family formation patterns, while providing affection, companionship and a sense of home. Full article

18 pages, 1629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ageing in Place—The Key to Receiving a Superaged Society

by Paulin Straughan, Yi Wen Tan, Zidane Tiew, Zeyu Zheng, Rachel Ngu and Wei Tin Hiah

Populations 2025, 1(2), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/populations1020007 - 7 Apr 2025

Viewed by 447

Abstract

Ageing in place is the ability to remain in one’s community, where living conditions foster a sense of attachment that enhances holistic well-being. To facilitate this, both the built and social environments within which the home is nested must be conducive to successful ageing. This paper deconstructs the merits of ageing in place, specifically how attachment to the lived environment contributes to holistic well-being. We analysed data from 6020 participants in the Singapore Life Panel^® using path models, where we examined three dimensions of ageing in place: place identity, continuity, and social inclusion. Five path analyses show that two dimensions of ageing in place mediated the relationship between well-being and factors such as social isolation, number of close neighbours, social support, and satisfaction with amenities, but not living arrangements. Social inclusion consistently showed no significant relationship with well-being across all models. These findings suggest that the quality of social connections, rather than physical living arrangements, is important for well-being, and that social inclusion needs to be more appropriately contextualised. Our study contributes to policy discussions on how supporting older adults to age in place can enhance their overall well-being. Full article

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Populations, Volume 1, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 4 articles

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