Childlessness and social support in old age: A literature review

摘要: This structured literature review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of on the topic childlessness and social support in old age. In total, 33 articles that were published between January 2000 July 2018 reviewed. Articles some extent covered topics nonparents their support, contacts, networks, what are other socio-demographic factors possibly influencing these. There was no overall consensus reviewed topics, but findings emerged more frequently than others. Nonparents have smaller, diverse they seem less frequent contacts with family, see friends neighbours often. Most depict childless as a vulnerable group higher rates loneliness. Childless elderly generally do not lack forms household help, yet networks appear be capable providing intense care tasks. Among also affect all above belong cultural context, marital status, gender given individual, age, health status. Interestingly, within parents family size, children, proximity play an important role provision. advices further study development future.