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Childlessness in Later Life: What’s in a Name? Results From a Cross-Sectional Study Among Childless Older Adults

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  • Hannelore Stegen
  • Sofie Van Regenmortel
  • Eva Dierckx
  • Liesbeth De Donder

Abstract

This study is a comprehensive portrayal of childlessness in later life, describing childless older adults’ specific characteristics related to childlessness, their personal and social characteristics, and well-being in comparison with older adults with children. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 543 adults (60+), 47.0% (255) of whom were childless. Reasons for childlessness include personal choice (35.3%), life events (24.3%), health problems (23.1%), and partner-related factors (21.2%). A total of 14.9% of childless older adults had received professional medical help in attempts to become pregnant; 5.5% of childless older adults had undergone abortions; 37.3% indicated that their childlessness was undesired; and for 32.2%, it was desired. In comparison to older adults with children, childless older adults reported significantly lower life satisfaction ( p    .05).

Suggested Citation

  • Hannelore Stegen & Sofie Van Regenmortel & Eva Dierckx & Liesbeth De Donder, 2025. "Childlessness in Later Life: What’s in a Name? Results From a Cross-Sectional Study Among Childless Older Adults," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(3), pages 21582440251, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:15:y:2025:i:3:p:21582440251355041
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440251355041
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