100YLA Online Conversation Series: Responsibilities Across Generations

Zoom Webinar

100 Year Lives in Asia (100YLA)

Life expectancy in Asia has increased significantly from 1955 to 2020. In many Asian societies, centenarians are still celebrated, but they are no longer a rarity. Society and government policies have not been designed around the expectation that people will live to 100. Education, career, family, financial security and many other topics will be explored in the 100YLA series to address the many changing needs people and their families have as they prepare to live longer lives.

COVID-19 has brought many consequences for young and old within their communities. The 100YLA series will discuss 100 year lives in the context of a world facing a COVID-19 future.

Kathleen Cagney, Professor of Sociology of the University of Chicago, will invite experts from Asia and the U.S. to discuss the phenomenon, implications, challenges and opportunities for an aging population in Asia.

Episode 5: Responsibilities Across Generations

Kathleen Cagney, Ph.D. takes a close look at data with Feinian Chen, Ph.D., Vivian Lou, Ph.D., and Bussarawan Teerawichitchainan, Ph.D. to understand how societal changes impact family level interactions and decision-making. Dr. Chen kicks off the discussion with an overview of how intergenerational ties are changing and the traditional family unit is being challenged as populations in Asia continue to age. Dr. Lou follows by sharing reflections on a her research regarding family caregiving. She lends policy suggestions for how societies can more effectively support family caregivers in aging populations. Dr. Teerawichitchainan concludes the discussion with an examination of how demographic change, particularly in South East Asian countries, shapes family structure, and in turn affects intergenerational support systems. Finally, our experts come together to share thoughts on questions including those regarding the benefits of caregiving and how intergenerational families can stay connected during COVID-19.

Check out all 100YLA episodes HERE!

Speakers:

• Professor Kathleen Cagney
  Chair of 100 Year Lives in Asia
  Professor of Sociology and the College
  The University of Chicago
• Professor Feinian Chen
  Professor
  Department of Sociology
  University of Maryland
• Professor Vivian Lou
  Director, Sau Po Centre on Ageing
  Associate Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration
  The University of Hong Kong
• Professor Bussarawan Teerawichitchainan
  Co-Director of the Centre for Family and Population Research
  Associate Professor, Department of Sociology
  National University of Singapore