Aging and Creating Families: Never-Married Heterosexual Women Over Forty

ABSTRACT

An examination of women over age forty who had never married was conducted. The women completed a structured questionnaire about their aging and their self-esteem was assessed with a standard measure. The participants were women from across the United States. Descriptive analyses of the data were ordered with ecological systems theory and findings revealed that the women are self-satisfied, socially productive and well adjusted with their single status and that singleness runs in their families. These women have defined what family means for them as they age–family of origin and close friendships. This description may be helpful in understanding this group as a social force and as role models for young women as they age.

KEYWORDS:

• Single women
• aging
• relationships
• family structure