The dramatic increase in the number of persons over the age of 85 suggests that their care will be a critical policy issue for the future. This study explores both the extent and predictors of financial support made by retirement-age sons to their parents who are members of this oldest-old cohort. From a sample of males aged 65 and over, 13% report that they contribute financially to the support of an aging parent. The frequency of intergenerational interaction is a predictor of parental support.
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