The Family Life of Old People

In this context the extended family is defined as a group of relatives comprising more than an immediate family who live in ?ne, two or more households and who see each other every day or nearly every day. Within this group the old person, particularly the old woman, is supported to the end of life. The remarkable thing about old age is that it does not signify abrupt change but emphasises the continuity of family life. Although 25% of the old People studied were living alone, and 29% in married pairs only, this did not imply that they were isolated. Separate living was the result of a preference for independence so long as the important relatives, especially daughter and grandchildren, were near enough to be seen frequently. Companionship and help were then assured ?n desirable terms, for Mr. Townsend shows that the closeness of family ties depends greatly upon reciprocal services. It is not just that children visit and look after their old parents from a sense of duty, but that the old people still perform necessary tasks in family life centred in a three generation interchange. This is most frequently grandmother, daughter and grandchildren. The grandmother gradually relinquishes household tasks as infirmity increases hut remains able to cook dinner for children and grandchildren Nvhen, perhaps, they have to do her shopping or fetch her pension for her.