Email this article 
Features of family-marital behavior in old age
- Authors: Dobrovolskaya T.Y.1, Ananchenkova P.I.2
- Affiliations:
- Synergy University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Scientific Research Institute of Healthcare Organization and Medical Management of the Moscow City Department of Healthcare, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Issue: No 1 (2026)
- Pages: 131-135
- Section: Articles
- URL: https://bulleten-nriph.ru/journal/article/view/3143
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.69541/NRIPH.2026.01.020
- Cite item
Abstract
The article examines the features of family-marital behavior in older adults and its dependence on economic, social, and psychological factors. The study found that economic dependence and the fear of loneliness are key factors preventing elderly individuals from divorcing, with traditional marital unions dominating despite the rise of civil unions. Age significantly impacts the likelihood of being married, reducing the probability of remarriage. Financial stability lowers the risk of divorce, while difficult financial conditions increase the likelihood of divorce. The presence of children has a weak influence on divorce, but families with multiple children are less likely to break up. Education and employment have a minor impact on the marital status of the elderly. Economic dependency and social norms continue to influence decisions about divorce and remarriage. These factors should be considered in social and medical support programs for the elderly.
About the authors
Tatiana Yurievna Dobrovolskaya
Synergy University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Email: dobrovolskayatu@gmail.com
Polina Igorevna Ananchenkova
Scientific Research Institute of Healthcare Organization and Medical Management of the Moscow City Department of Healthcare, Moscow, Russian Federation
Email: ananchenkova@yandex.ru
References
- Carstensen L. L. Social and emotional patterns in adulthood: Support for socioemotional selectivity theory. Psychology and Aging. 1992;7(3):331—338.
- Elder G. H., Johnson M. K., Crosnoe R. The emergence and development of life course theory. In: Mortimer J. T., Shanahan M. J. (Eds.), Handbook of the Life Course. New York: Springer; 2003.
- Brown, S. L., Lin, I.-F. The gray divorce revolution: Rising divorce among middle-aged and older adults, 1990—2010. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. 2012;67(6):731—741.
- Bowlby J. Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment (2nd ed.). New York: Basic Books; 1982.
- Christensen A., Heavey C. L. Gender and social structure in the demand/withdraw pattern of marital conflict. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1990;59(1):73—81.
- Bookwala J. The role of marital quality in physical health during the mature years. Journal of Aging and Health. 2005;17(1):85—104.
- Antonucci T. C., Akiyama H. Social networks in adult life and a preliminary examination of the convoy model. Journal of Gerontology. 1987;42(5):519—527.
- Levenson R. W., Carstensen L. L., Gottman J. M. Long-term marriage: Age, gender, and satisfaction. Psychology and Aging. 1993;8(2):301—313.
