Developing and maintaining intergenerational relationships in an economically vulnerable community: findings from the Flint women’s study

ABSTRACT

Few studies describe how community disadvantage impacts intergenerational relationships. Using interviews with women and service providers (n = 100), we explored benefits and challenges of intergenerational relationships in Flint, Michigan, an economically vulnerable community. Women valued relationships that increased social connections and generativity; however, few community resources promoted such relationships. Intergenerational relationships were important for leaving a social legacy in lieu of a meaningful economic legacy. Some middle-aged women are overwhelmed by caregiving, balancing employment while caring for multiple generations. Women desired intergenerational activities that include children and younger adult women. Further, caregiving programs should attend to the needs of middle-aged caregivers.

KEYWORDS:

• Urban health
• intergenerational caregiving
• social relationships

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the study participants, data coders, and community partners who contributed to this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration under grant number D34HP24457.