Aging & Social Change: Thirteenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

In Mexico, families or market services typically provide care for elderly individuals at different stages of old age. The government’s involvement in caring for this population group is limited, except for the universal support program for older adults. This program provides a pension to those aged 65 and over. Residential homes and daycare centres are mainly in Mexico City and other cities—the need for more infrastructure for institutionalized care nationally is relevant. As a result, family care models are suitable for meeting the needs of the population over 65. However, gender norms, income and dependency levels tend to regulate access to family care. This research analyses the impact of income conditions and loss of physical mobility on adaptive care strategies over time while clustering information by sex and age range. Using the National Survey on Health and Aging in Mexico (2001-2018), the study applies two econometric models: a factor analysis and a multiple linear regression. Results indicate that access to family care is mainly for basic daily tasks, and relational autonomy and income significantly influence adaptation to care in old age regardless of age and gender. However, men over 65 rely less on their self-perceived relational autonomy and marital status to access family support. The study concludes that while adaptive family care strategies are essential, comprehensive public policies, including monetary transfers, prevention, medical care, and everyday support, should be proposed to address the needs of the elderly population.