Ageing in Rural Communities: Family Contacts and Community Integration

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Abstract
Based on a study of the elderly in rural communities, the paper makes comparisons with data from more urban studies in the U.K. The findings indicate that while availability of and contact with family members is comparable, satisfaction with the amount of contact is considerably higher in the rural context. This higher level of satisfaction holds even for retired migrants who have less contact. It is suggested that satisfaction may be higher because needs for contact are met by a greater variety of other forms of association and support. The data demonstrate that the rural elderly do in fact have higher levels of contact with neighbours; are more likely to belong to voluntary associations; are more likely to belong to a religious group and to be visited by the clergy, and are more likely to become involved in sparetime activities which enhance the likelihood for social contact. Dependency on family, therefore, appears to be lower. While rural communities do not appear to preserve family cohesion, opportunities for community integration are enhanced and are reflected in higher levels of satisfaction.