Support Networks in Households with Older Persons in Mexico

Abstract

In Mexico, the increase in older people and their economic and health situation are elements that transform the dynamics of the families in which they reside. In Latin American families, particularly in Mexican families, co-residence is considered a protection factor for older relatives. However, this trend has changed over time, increasing the number of older people living alone. This population could receive some form of transfer and care from their family members who live outside the household or other non-family persons, but also it could happen that not all older persons living alone receive support and that their socio-economic conditions, along with deterioration in health place them in a situation of vulnerability. This study analyzes the support networks that older persons have in different types of households. Our hypothesis is that, for older people, cohabitation with relatives provide a wider network of support in comparison to those living alone.