The substantial fact is that we need children at the old age. They gift grand children with whom you may play relax enjoy and spend beautiful. The children look after well because of the blood relation.

But I fully agree with Michael Issigonis that the children most of the time are busy the way we were busy.

Let all mighty decide the fate. After all He is the highest authority It may so happen that you have children but still you may be involved in taking care due to their circumstances or some disability.

Friends always help. RG friends are also there !!!!

I do not think there is a clear relationship between the fact that man has children and increase vulnerability in old age, there are who have many children and no differences

Dear Dr Houda Kawas,

Thank you for your views.

What do we mean by "vulnerability", is meant in a physical, mental or other state?

Yes. it does

Hom,

At the surface, one will say, Yes, it does because people expect care from children at old age, without whom one is vulnerable to lack of care.

But deeper than the surface, it does not because people reap at old age what they sowed in the youthful years. Childless people who raised children of others receive care from such, while some are abandoned by their very own children.

Gratitude and ingratitude from children does not depend on parentage.

And finally, many plan for old age but never get there because they die earlier than planned. This time vulnerability does not arise in the first place.

Obianuju P. Umeji

My Mom took care of my Dad and my grandparents took care of each other . My Mom says she will take care of me :)

Well , such is the story ...

No we are all born alone and we go alone unless ...

Dear Dr Obianuju P. Umeji,

Thank you for the clearly posting your views, its informative.

Thank you Dr Aparna Sathya Murthy,

sharing the reality of life.

It doesn't always follow. You may have no children, but have many friends to look after you when you get old.

Or you may have children, but none will come visiting you when you need help, too busy or too far away are usual excuses.

The substantial fact is that we need children at the old age. They gift grand children with whom you may play relax enjoy and spend beautiful. The children look after well because of the blood relation.

But I fully agree with Michael Issigonis that the children most of the time are busy the way we were busy.

Let all mighty decide the fate. After all He is the highest authority It may so happen that you have children but still you may be involved in taking care due to their circumstances or some disability.

Friends always help. RG friends are also there !!!!

Do you think having no children increase vulnerability in Old age?

On the surface high level seems there is such a risk. But if we dive deeper , think it depend on numerous factors like the relationship of the old person with his / her siblings, siblings' children, relatives, friends etc. that might willing to take care of him / her, how wealthy is the old person, how demanding is the old person at old age etc.

It does make difference but it all depends upon circumstances.Let God decide such matters.

There is no relation between the two....And bdw what vulnerability means to you

It depends on the nature of the society that the one lives in.

Dear Hom Nath Chalise , at the older ages, the elders need assistance and cares from their children and or any helper. In this case, the vulnerability increase for elders who don't have helper and or children. Otherwise, it may have no difference and or effect on the other aspects.

Generally yes but in fact it depends more on your relations. Good, warm relations with your family and friends helps in the matter.

Dear Michael Issigonis,

Thank you for your views !

Thank you so much for your balance view Dr Obianuju P. Umeji and Dr K N Sheth

I agree with Dr. Huoda answer. I also want to add "if the man when he is young take care of the old people, the God will help him by bringing a person/s who take care of him"

Dear Dr Raid M. Al-Ani,

Lets wish things happen as you have expressed here.

I agree with the brilliant views of colleagues. They are very insightful! Being childless is often seen as increasing the vulnerability of aged persons, this is not always true.

Aged persons (with children or childless), can receive great assistance and reduce their vulnerability in old age if they:

1. Truly cared for others (the young and old)

2. Lived a quite life with sound moral principles

3. Made great and proper plans for his/her old age

4. Made a giant impact in his or her society

5. Love to share and assist the vulnerable even in old age

Dear Dickson Adom,

Thank you so much for your positive attitude, you are great !

Research article

Childlessness and vulnerability of older people in China | Age and ...

Article Childlessness and vulnerability of older people in China

Research Article

Childlessness and the Psychological Well-Being of Older Persons ...

https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/56/5/S311/634257

Message received from Dr Gavin W Hougham to you

Thank you for sharing this research. In short, I'd lean toward a "yes," childlessness could be considered a risk factor for many things, especially those conditions and outcomes found to be associated with lack of social support. Gavin

Thank you Hitesh Gujarati for question recommendation.

yes

Active aging may help older adults to be free from loneliness and depression

Yes, it is true. The persons having no children always find themselves vulnerable in Old age. You just meet the old couples who are not having any child and listen their views you will get the right answers.

With best regards

Who will support people who are ageing without children? By 2030, a quarter of people in the UK will get old without having children. Measures need to be put in place to fill the care gap.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/nov/12/ageing-without-children

the number of childless older people is increasing in China, but relatively little is known about the role of childlessness in health outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between childlessness and three health outcomes: difficulty with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), self-rated health and depression.

Hi,

childless individuals whose children have all died exhibit worse health outcomes than individuals with children, but this effect is influenced by demographic characteristics, socio-economic status and social security. On the other hand, individuals who are childless due to other reasons (involuntary or voluntary) are less likely to report difficulty with IADLs and to report depression than older people with all children alive after controlling for demographic and socio-economic and social security factors.

Thanks

Hi,

the death of a child has an adverse effect on people’s health for both childless people whose children have all died and those who have lost a child but have other children alive. These two groups are in the most vulnerable position, which could also suggest that their children have died because they grew up in a vulnerable family. The government needs to improve the social security for these two groups and provide social services (particularly mental health services) to older people who have lost a child; these could contribute to alleviating some of the adverse effects of the death of a child.

Good luck

I don not think it makes a differences in most situation. However and probably in certain condition like being sick, etc.... they may require an assistance in this matter and need someone to care for them. If the governments or a Welfare body or institutions would implement a constructive health and social security program for them, then one hopes they would get the help needed whether they have children or not.

good

@ Khulood Obaid

Thank you.

It depends upon the circumstances, nature of children and social conditions.

@ Dr Geddada Mohan Narasimha Rao

Thank you. We need to explore how our society is changing these days.

In developed countries where arrangement is made for the care of olds, the answer maybe NO but in developing countries the answer is YES. At old age, will we all need people around us for care and loneliness. At that age nothing give joy, good health and long life than playing with your ground children.

@ Segun Michael Abegunde,

Thank you for the important comments.

Even in western countries where there is good social security the attachment of children is different things.

It depends on the situation and individuals concerned. The common perception is children/grandchildren are very necessary for old people to get support and love. It is true to certain extent too when we see happy families. However, what if the children are worthless themselves or they are not ready to stay with their parents neither support them in any way. Such a scenario is very painful for old people and I am sure they might think that it would have been better if they did not have any children. Having children and leading a lonely life is worse than not having any children at all and mentally prepared to face life on your own.

@ Dr Suman Sarkar

Thank you so much.

And how about old people caring for their children? Who is vulnerable there? It is not a question of age but health. Some young ones need the care given by parents and some aged are stronger than the young. I once saw a post of a 92 year old male doing rope walking. Was he needing care. Those without children get frightened by this question when in fact God has made them as healthy as...?

Obianuju P. Umeji

@ Obianuju P. Umeji

Thank you for the comments. Those who are rearing their grand children are also lucky. These days we can rarely can see such types of activities. Youngesters do not believe to their parents that they can take care of kids properly.

Yes

Alternative life..

Childlessness and vulnerability of older people in China

Article Childlessness and vulnerability of older people in China

Thank you Monica BUTNARIU

Yes, it is a fact. In rural areas of developing world we need to have a child or two, especially a male child.

I agree with Professor Obianuju P. Umeji .

The love by grand sons or daughters matters the most by the grand parents

It all depends on the socio-economic status of those who are "old".

I don't think so, however, it depends on your economic status and education.