ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN EARLY EXPERIENCES WITH PARENTS AND WELL-BEING INOLD-AGE

This study explores the impact of early expenences with parents on hea lth and well-being in old age. An interview survey was conducted with a representative sample of 267 elderly community residents in the age group 65-74. Standard measures for health, self-esteem, anxiety, depre ssion, and loneliness were included as dependent variables. Quality of parenting was measured by means of a retrospective questionnaire focu sed on the care dimension of parental behavior. The foremost conclusio n of this study is that early experiences with parents have an impact on the well-being of elderly persons. The effect is stronger among tho se older persons who lack a current attachment figure in the form of a n affectionate partner, also, it is stronger for unattached older men than for unattached older women.