Kinlessness
Kinlessness is the state of having no
Prevalence and causes
The number of kinless people depends on the definition chosen and the family structures common in their culture. A society in which families have many children will have fewer kinless adults than a society with small families. The grey divorce phenomenon can result in older adults unexpectedly becoming kinless.[1]
In the US, about 1 in 16 adults over the age of 55 have neither living biological children nor a legally recognized spouse. About 1% of Americans over age 55 have no living spouse, children, or siblings. About 3% of
Even when an older adult is not technically kinless, they may be unable to receive any care from family members, due to the surviving family member living too far away, a
Consequences
Kinless adults tend to die slightly younger than adults living in a family setting.[1] They receive less physical care as they become disabled, and they are more likely to die in a nursing home.[1]
Some effects can be mitigated by building a
See also
- Only child – children from small families have a higher risk of kinlessness
- Long-term care insurance – a strategy to pay for personal care
- Kodokushi – dying alone, without anyone discovering it for a long time
References
- ^ ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-06.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8261-6632-6.