Dependency in the Possible Future Selves of Young and Middle-Aged Adults: Perceptions and Predictors

Abstract

The population of Canada is rapidly aging, and with increasing age, some level of dependency (reliance on others for assistance or care), is common. In the coming decades, more individuals will act as informal caregivers, and relocate to senior housing or long-term care (Smetanin et al., 2009). However, little is known about how individuals and families think about and plan for future dependency. This study aimed to examine the presence of dependency thoughts and plans across multiple domains (e.g., physical, psychological, social, economic, and residential/environmental) in a broad age sample using a mixed-methods design. Another aim was to examine factors (i.e., demographic, psychosocial, experiential) that influence how people conceptualize dependency. Findings suggest that individuals have thoughts and plans regarding dependency across domains, and that those dependency thoughts and plans relate to different factors. Implications for future research and age-related policy will be discussed.