Support exchange between siblings in later life: The role of ‘kinlessness’ and geographic proximity

Background and ObjectivesAs people have fewer children and often remain single, siblings might be more active playersin family networks of older adults who lack a partner, children, or both—referred to as“kinless”. This study examines (1) how the absence of children and/or a partner is associatedwith exchange of support between siblings and (2) how intragenerational geographic proximityshapes these associations.Research Design and MethodsThis study utilizes multilevel ordinal logistic regressions of frequencies of exchanging practicalhelp plus logistic regressions of providing personal care and population-based survey data fromthe Generational Transmissions in Finland project connected to register data about individualsaged 68–74 years in 2018 and their siblings.ResultsSiblings were found to be active supporters in later life. Partnerless older adults—particularlynever married—were more likely to receive practical help from siblings than those withpartners. While childlessness alone did not increase sibling support, kinless older adultsreceived the highest levels of help. Kinless individuals also provided more assistance andpersonal care to siblings, even across long distances. Geographic proximity strengthenedsupport exchanges, but kinlessness remained a strong predictor of support exchange regardlessof distance. Finally, a 10 km threshold seems adequate for approximating help and careexchanges between siblings.Discussion and ImplicationsFindings highlight siblings’ role as a compensatory source of support in later life. Policiesshould broaden caregiving definitions to include siblings, extend caregiver benefits beyondnuclear family ties, and develop services to facilitate both local and long-distance siblingcaregiving.Keywords: intragenerational relationships, personal care, practical help, geographiccloseness, childlessness, singlehood