Never-married childless women in Australia: Health and social circumstances in older age

摘要: A growing proportion of women reach older age without having married or children. Assumptions that these are lonely, impoverished, and high users social health services based on little evidence. This paper uses data from the Older cohort Australian Longitudinal Study Women's Health to describe self-reported demographics, physical emotional health, use among 10,108 aged 73-78, whom 2.7% never-married childless. The most striking characteristic this group is their levels education, which associated with fewer reported financial difficulties higher rates private insurance. There few differences in between other groups women. Compared children, they make formal such as home maintenance meal services, also more likely provide volunteer belong groups. Overall, there no evidence suggest a "problem" group. Rather, it seems life experiences opportunities prepare them for successful productive age.