Aging, Family, and Preferences for Care among Older Jews and Arabs

• Published in: Israel studies review Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 102 - 121
• Main Author: Halperin, Dafna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Berghahn Journals 01-12-2013; Berghahn Books, Inc
• Subjects: Aging; Analysis; Arab people; Arabs; Children; Disabilities; Elderly; Families in Transition; Family; Family members; Family relations; Health aspects; Intergenerational Relationships; Jewish people; Jewish peoples; Jews; Modeling; Modernization; Multilevel models; Older adults; Older people; Parents; Social support; Solidarity; HONOR; DIGNITY; JEWS; CARE PREFERENCES; INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILY RELATIONS; ARABS; OLDER PEOPLE; HOME
• ISSN: 2159-0370; 2159-0389; 2159-0389
• DOI: 10.3167/isr.2013.280207

This study aims to identify future care preferences and examine the associations between personal resources, filial expectations, and family relations and the preferences of independent elderly Jews and Arabs aged 65 and over, using mixed methods. Data were collected using structured interviews of 168 Jews and 175 Arabs; additionally, 20 Jews and Arabs were interviewed in depth to enable more detailed analysis. The main findings show the effects of the modernization and individualization processes on elder preferences. Significant differences were found between Jews and Arabs for most variables. Whereas Jews' first preference was formal care, with mixed care following as second, Arabs preferred mixed care to other types. Differences in several factors associated with preference for mixed care were also noted, including in categories that were identified in the qualitative phase, such as 'dignity' versus 'honor' and the meaning of 'home'.