ABSTRACT

This chapter explains about the increase in non-communicable adult diseases which tend to result in non-fatal outcomes, such as long-term disability. The role of private-based home care services gives the relatively high income of many, particularly white Americans, and provides an integral part of elder care. The rapidly changing demography of the family, and the impact this is having on kin roles and relationships. This is much more prevalent in the Southern European countries than it is in Northern Europe, the United Kingdom or the United States of America. Throughout Europe and the USA, older people are increasingly looking to retain the status of independent adults, in control of their own resources. However, family ties are remaining strong both in terms of contact and attitude and older adults are providing, and will continue to provide, major sources of elder care in particular as their healthy life expectancy increases.