The major objective of the proposed research is to provide a comprehensive and, comparative study of the elderly population, defined as persons age 60 and above, in four Asian countries: the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore. The six major areas of inquiry are: 1) current and future demographic significance of the elderly population; 2) the nature of and trends in the cultural, socio-economic, and governmental policies relevant to the elderly; 3) current position of the elderly defined in terms of social, economic, emotional and physical well-being and major differentials by sub-group; 4) the exchange systems affecting the nature and extent of support received by the elderly; 5) modifications of these systems in response to social and economic change; and 6) implications for policies and programs related to the provision of social and economic support of the aged. These objectives will be pursued through a research design containing four interrelated approaches: a macro-analysis of the cultural, developmental, demographic, and governmental factors that affect the statuses and needs of the elderly, and the support systems with which they interact; micro-analyses of four large- scale surveys which obtained information on marital status, living arrangements, labor force participation, health status and health service utilization, economic well-being, and support from various sources; systematic qualitative data obtained via a series of focus group sessions in each country; structured workshops and research collaborations to enhance cross-cultural and comparative analysis. The results of the study will add considerably to the knowledge of the health and well-being of the elderly in developing countries and to their needs for various types of services, and thus prove directly relevant for social policy and health planning.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
1R37AG007637-01A1
Application #
3480245
Study Section
Social Sciences and Population Study Section (SSP)
Project Start
1989-03-08
Project End
1994-02-28
Budget Start
1989-03-08
Budget End
1990-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1989
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
791277940
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109
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