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Older Men, Social Integration and Organisational Activities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 May 2003

Kate Davidson
Affiliation:
Centre for Research on Ageing and Gender (CRAG), Department of Sociology, University of Surrey E-mail: K.Davidson@surrey.ac.uk
Tom Daly
Affiliation:
Centre for Research on Ageing and Gender (CRAG), Department of Sociology, University of Surrey E-mail: K.Davidson@surrey.ac.uk
Sara Arber
Affiliation:
Centre for Research on Ageing and Gender (CRAG), Department of Sociology, University of Surrey E-mail: K.Davidson@surrey.ac.uk

Abstract

This article investigates the influence of partnership status on older men's involvement in social organisations, drawing on qualitative research. Men are found to be highly resistant to participation in organisations that cater primarily for the needs of older people. Older divorced and never-married men are more susceptible to social isolation and poor health than married men. This could be ameliorated by membership of such establishments, yet their resistance is the greatest. Policy implications focus on identifying and responding to appropriate provision of organisational and communal activities for ageing men, particularly those who spend their later years without a partner.

Type
Articles
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2003

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Footnotes

This article presents findings from a research project on older men, their social worlds and health behaviours, as part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Growing Older Programme. Award Number LS 480 25 4033