Single women living alone in later life: evidence from understanding society data

Book chapter


Khan, H., Hafford-Letchfield, T. and Lambert, N. 2018. Single women living alone in later life: evidence from understanding society data. in: Dunk-West, P. and Hafford-Letchfield, T. (ed.) Sexuality, Sexual and Gender Identities and Intimacy Research in Social Work and Social Care: A Lifecourse Epistemology London Routledge. pp. 155-175
Chapter titleSingle women living alone in later life: evidence from understanding society data
AuthorsKhan, H., Hafford-Letchfield, T. and Lambert, N.
Abstract

This chapter picks up the study of gender issues within ageing populations. According to OECD statistics, the UK is the loneliest country in Europe and the least likely to report having close friendships or knowing our neighbours (OECD, 2005). The number of people living on their own has doubled since the 1970s, with single-person households now making up a third of all homes. We report on the findings of our examination of some of the factors associated with health and well-being of women living alone in later life using data collected in the ‘Understanding Society’ 2012. This is a nationwide longitudinal survey that captures important information on the life course trajectories of individuals in the UK. By looking at variables associated with health and wellbeing, we have identified some relevant determinants when looking at single older women living alone. The prevalence of living alone during later life varies widely across developed countries, but everywhere its growth has been remarkable in recent decades, even in societies with traditionally strong family ties (Reher and Requena, 2017). Within the increasing trend of single women living alone over time and space, there is a need to adapt and develop more accurate measures and research designs in order to begin to understand the factors impacting on the nature of ageing for those who are living alone. Forming new intimate relationships might be one way of compensating for any loneliness associated with this phenomenon (Carr, 2004).

KeywordsSingle status; ageing; gender; social work
Page range155-175
Book titleSexuality, Sexual and Gender Identities and Intimacy Research in Social Work and Social Care: A Lifecourse Epistemology
EditorsDunk-West, P. and Hafford-Letchfield, T.
PublisherRoutledge
Place of publicationLondon
ISBN
Hardcover9781138225879
Paperback9780367591793
Electronic9781315398785
Publication dates
Print05 Apr 2018
Online28 Mar 2018
Publication process dates
Deposited23 Jan 2018
Accepted09 Nov 2017
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

This is an Accepted Manuscript of a book chapter published by Routledge in Sexuality, Sexual and Gender Identities and Intimacy Research in Social Work and Social Care: A Lifecourse Epistemology on 28/03/2018, available online: http://www.routledge.com/9781138225879

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315398785-10
Related Output
Is part ofhttp://www.routledge.com/9781138225879
Is part ofhttps://doi.org/10.4324/9781315398785
LanguageEnglish
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