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The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences Advance Access originally published online on May 11, 2009
The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 2009 64B(6):767-776; doi:10.1093/geronb/gbp023
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org.

Childlessness and the Economic Well-being of Older Americans

Robert D. Plotnick1,2

1 Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs
2 Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle

Address correspondence to Robert D. Plotnick, PhD, Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, Box 353055, Parrington Hall, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195-3055. Email: plotnick{at}u.washington.edu


  Abstract

Objectives: The study's purpose is to examine the relationship between childlessness and two key indicators of older Americans’ economic well-being: income and wealth.

Methods: Using the Health and Retirement Survey, the study estimates this relationship and compares findings from standard ordinary least squares, random effects, quantile regression, and two propensity score models.

Results: Compared with married parents, childless married couples tend to have slightly more income and about 5% more wealth. Unmarried childless men enjoy no income advantage over unmarried fathers but have 24%–33% more wealth. Compared with older unmarried mothers, unmarried childless women have 12%–31% more income and about 33% more wealth. The strength of these relationships increases as one moves up the distribution of income or wealth.

Discussion: This study provides evidence on the relationship between childlessness and both income and wealth, including the first evidence for men. The findings may be useful for persons concerned about the determinants of childless adults’ well-being as well as the long-run financial demands on public programs that provide income support, health and nursing home care, and social services for older Americans.

Key Words: Childlessness • Economic well-bring • Income • Wealth

Received August 12, 2008; Accepted February 23, 2009

Decision Editor: Kenneth F. Ferraro, PhD


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