International Rural Aging Project

2000 Forum on Rural Aging: Policy Debates

Forum Session E

  1. Lifelong Individual Development and Intergenerational Relationships 
    10:30-12:00, Saturday, June 10, 2000
    Introduction:     Alexandre Sidorenko, UN Programme on Ageing
    Discussant: Martha Pelaez, WHO/PAHO
    Moderator: Nana Apt, Ghana

    Lifelong Individual Development: Issues
     Impact of social and physical environment. Migration patterns. Shrinkage or expansion in size and composition of villages, and differential pace of modernization among older and younger people. Health and function, Opportunities for life-long development. Education. Jobs. Individual aspirations; examples of successful models.

    Intergenerational Relationships: Issues
    Responsibility of children for aging parents. Importance of proximity, intimacy of relationships, availability of time, financial resources, health and other responsibilities. Implications of increased longevity (three or even four generation families), easing or complicating relationships. Intergenerational solidarity by socioeconomic factors.