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• 81. [Article] Estimates for Population Ages 4-20 Years for Oregon and Its Counties

  Estimates for population ages 4-20 years for Oregon and its counties.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Estimates for Population Ages 4-20 Years for Oregon and Its Counties Author: Portland State University. Population Research Center, Proehl, Risa Year: 2010 Estimates for population ages 4-20 years for Oregon and its counties. Title: Estimates for Population Ages 4-20 Years for Oregon and Its Counties Author: Portland State University. Population Research Center, Proehl, Risa Year: 2010 Estimates for population ages 4-20 years for Oregon and its counties. Close

• 82. [Article] MCI Status, Amyloid and Tau Biomarkers, and Composite Cognitive Impairment Scores are Associated with Cogstate Performance in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention

  Background: CogState is a computerized cognitive battery spanning domains of memory, executive function, and speed and processing. CogState, designed to be robust to education level and efficient for repeated ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: MCI Status, Amyloid and Tau Biomarkers, and Composite Cognitive Impairment Scores are Associated with Cogstate Performance in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention Author: Racine, Annie M., Koscik, Rebecca L., Clark, Lindsay R., Mueller, Kimberly D., Berman, Sara Elizabeth, Nicholas, Christopher R., Asthana, Sanjay, Blennow, Kaj, Zetterberg, Henrik, Jedynak, Bruno, Bilgel, Murat, Christian, Bradley T., Carlsson, Cynthia M., Johnson, Sterling C. Year: 2016 Background: CogState is a computerized cognitive battery spanning domains of memory, executive function, and speed and processing. CogState, designed to be robust to education level and efficient for repeated administration with minimal practice effects, holds potential for detecting early cognitive deficits that may prove to be due to preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This project aimed to provide convergent and construct validity for CogState in detecting preclinical AD during late-middle-age. Methods: 279 late-middle-aged participants from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (mean age 63±7 years; 69% female; 37% APOE4+) completed a traditional paper-based neuropsychological battery and a CogState battery consisting of seven tests approximately six years post-baseline. A composite cognitive impairment score (CCI) was calculated using eight neuropsychological tests acquired longitudinally and was estimated at age 50 to remove confounding age effects; higher CCI indicates lower cognitive performance. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) status (n=36) was determined by consensus using clinical and/or pyschometric criteria. A subset underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection (n=36) and PET-PiB imaging (n=46). To determine clinical relevance of CogState, MCI and normal controls were compared by ANCOVA on select CogState variables controlling for age, literacy, gender, APOE4, AD family history, self-rated computer familiarity, and depression. To determine whether biomarkers (CSF Aβ42/Aβ40, CSF total-tau/Aβ42, global PiB burden) or CCI predict CogState performance, we ran multiple regression models controlling for age, sex, literacy, and computer familiarity. Results: MCI participants performed significantly worse (p Conclusions: MCI status, biomarkers for amyloid and tau, and CCI all predict performance on the CogState variables assessed in this study of late-middle-aged adults. CogState performance at a single time point may be an important indicator of preclinical AD processes. Title: MCI Status, Amyloid and Tau Biomarkers, and Composite Cognitive Impairment Scores are Associated with Cogstate Performance in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention Author: Racine, Annie M., Koscik, Rebecca L., Clark, Lindsay R., Mueller, Kimberly D., Berman, Sara Elizabeth, Nicholas, Christopher R., Asthana, Sanjay, Blennow, Kaj, Zetterberg, Henrik, Jedynak, Bruno, Bilgel, Murat, Christian, Bradley T., Carlsson, Cynthia M., Johnson, Sterling C. Year: 2016 Background: CogState is a computerized cognitive battery spanning domains of memory, executive function, and speed and processing. CogState, designed to be robust to education level and efficient for repeated administration with minimal practice effects, holds potential for detecting early cognitive deficits that may prove to be due to preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This project aimed to provide convergent and construct validity for CogState in detecting preclinical AD during late-middle-age. Methods: 279 late-middle-aged participants from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (mean age 63±7 years; 69% female; 37% APOE4+) completed a traditional paper-based neuropsychological battery and a CogState battery consisting of seven tests approximately six years post-baseline. A composite cognitive impairment score (CCI) was calculated using eight neuropsychological tests acquired longitudinally and was estimated at age 50 to remove confounding age effects; higher CCI indicates lower cognitive performance. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) status (n=36) was determined by consensus using clinical and/or pyschometric criteria. A subset underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection (n=36) and PET-PiB imaging (n=46). To determine clinical relevance of CogState, MCI and normal controls were compared by ANCOVA on select CogState variables controlling for age, literacy, gender, APOE4, AD family history, self-rated computer familiarity, and depression. To determine whether biomarkers (CSF Aβ42/Aβ40, CSF total-tau/Aβ42, global PiB burden) or CCI predict CogState performance, we ran multiple regression models controlling for age, sex, literacy, and computer familiarity. Results: MCI participants performed significantly worse (p Conclusions: MCI status, biomarkers for amyloid and tau, and CCI all predict performance on the CogState variables assessed in this study of late-middle-aged adults. CogState performance at a single time point may be an important indicator of preclinical AD processes. Close

• 83. [Article] "The Role of the Aged in Society"

  Dr. Walter Klopfer, "The Role of the Aged in Society" taped October 20, 1969. Klopfer: Director of the Gerontology Program and Professor of Psychology. Introduction by Dr. Frank Roberts. Original broadcast: ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: "The Role of the Aged in Society" Author: Klopfer, Walter Year: 1969 Dr. Walter Klopfer, "The Role of the Aged in Society" taped October 20, 1969. Klopfer: Director of the Gerontology Program and Professor of Psychology. Introduction by Dr. Frank Roberts. Original broadcast: November 5, 1969. Part of the Eye Opener Series broadcast on KGW in partnership with Portland State University. Title: "The Role of the Aged in Society" Author: Klopfer, Walter Year: 1969 Dr. Walter Klopfer, "The Role of the Aged in Society" taped October 20, 1969. Klopfer: Director of the Gerontology Program and Professor of Psychology. Introduction by Dr. Frank Roberts. Original broadcast: November 5, 1969. Part of the Eye Opener Series broadcast on KGW in partnership with Portland State University. Close

• 84. [Article] Variability in test-retest of maximum duration of sustained /a/ in children

  Maximum phonation time has been widely utilized as a simple clinical evaluation of the vocal function. Its importance has been emphasized by Van Riper (1954), Westlake and Rutherford (1961), Boone (1971), ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Variability in test-retest of maximum duration of sustained /a/ in children Author: Norwood, Elena Diane Year: 1979 Maximum phonation time has been widely utilized as a simple clinical evaluation of the vocal function. Its importance has been emphasized by Van Riper (1954), Westlake and Rutherford (1961), Boone (1971), and other authors. A review of the literature revealed three trials of sustained phonation have been utilized by most researchers to determine maximum duration of phonation. Additionally, the review revealed a lack of test-retest reliability in maximum phonation time in children. The present study was designed to determine the variability in test-retest of maximum duration of· sustained /a/ among prepubescent male and female children. Eighty subjects, twenty at each of the four age levels, seven, eight, nine and ten, were selected from a larger pool using a random order table. Each age level was further divided into two groups of ten male and ten female subjects. A tape recording of twenty maximum phonations of /a/. was obtained for each subject. A second measure of maximum phonation time was recorded between two weeks and a month following the original run. The essential questions of this investigation were: 1. Given the means of age and sex groups of the longest performance of maximum duration of sustained /a/, is there a significant difference between runs one and two? 2. In the test cohort does the rank order of maximum phonation time differ between runs one and two? The following secondary questions were also posed: 1. Is there a significantly greater duration of the longest sustained /a/ when given twenty trials as opposed to the first three trials? 2. Is there a relationship between sex and the duration of sustained /a/? 3. Given four prepubescent age groups, is age a factor in relation to length of phonation? Title: Variability in test-retest of maximum duration of sustained /a/ in children Author: Norwood, Elena Diane Year: 1979 Maximum phonation time has been widely utilized as a simple clinical evaluation of the vocal function. Its importance has been emphasized by Van Riper (1954), Westlake and Rutherford (1961), Boone (1971), and other authors. A review of the literature revealed three trials of sustained phonation have been utilized by most researchers to determine maximum duration of phonation. Additionally, the review revealed a lack of test-retest reliability in maximum phonation time in children. The present study was designed to determine the variability in test-retest of maximum duration of· sustained /a/ among prepubescent male and female children. Eighty subjects, twenty at each of the four age levels, seven, eight, nine and ten, were selected from a larger pool using a random order table. Each age level was further divided into two groups of ten male and ten female subjects. A tape recording of twenty maximum phonations of /a/. was obtained for each subject. A second measure of maximum phonation time was recorded between two weeks and a month following the original run. The essential questions of this investigation were: 1. Given the means of age and sex groups of the longest performance of maximum duration of sustained /a/, is there a significant difference between runs one and two? 2. In the test cohort does the rank order of maximum phonation time differ between runs one and two? The following secondary questions were also posed: 1. Is there a significantly greater duration of the longest sustained /a/ when given twenty trials as opposed to the first three trials? 2. Is there a relationship between sex and the duration of sustained /a/? 3. Given four prepubescent age groups, is age a factor in relation to length of phonation? Close

• 85. [Article] Sound Effects: Age, Gender, and Sound Symbolism in American English

  This mixed-method study investigated the correlation of sound symbolic associations with age and gender by analyzing data from a national survey of 292 American English speakers. Subjects used 10 semantic ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sound Effects: Age, Gender, and Sound Symbolism in American English Author: Krause, Timothy Allen Year: 2015 This mixed-method study investigated the correlation of sound symbolic associations with age and gender by analyzing data from a national survey of 292 American English speakers. Subjects used 10 semantic differential scales to rate six artificial brand names that targeted five phonemes. Subjects also described the potential products they imagined these artificial brand names to represent. Quantitative analysis alone provided insufficient evidence to conclude that age or gender affect sound symbolism in American English. While 26 out of 60 scales showed a monotonic shift among the means of the three age groups, only three were statistically significant. The evidence of differences between genders was similarly weak; only five scales out of 60 showed a statistically significant difference when comparing genders. Analysis of the qualitative data, however, suggested both monotonic generational shifts as well as generational blips in sound-symbolic associations. Of particular interest is the possible influence of pop culture, fashions, and fads, and society's shifting focus from broadcast to narrowcast media. The implications of this research are relevant for both theory (empirical evidence for iconicity in language) and application (e.g., devising brand names that communicate particular attributes to specific demographics). Title: Sound Effects: Age, Gender, and Sound Symbolism in American English Author: Krause, Timothy Allen Year: 2015 This mixed-method study investigated the correlation of sound symbolic associations with age and gender by analyzing data from a national survey of 292 American English speakers. Subjects used 10 semantic differential scales to rate six artificial brand names that targeted five phonemes. Subjects also described the potential products they imagined these artificial brand names to represent. Quantitative analysis alone provided insufficient evidence to conclude that age or gender affect sound symbolism in American English. While 26 out of 60 scales showed a monotonic shift among the means of the three age groups, only three were statistically significant. The evidence of differences between genders was similarly weak; only five scales out of 60 showed a statistically significant difference when comparing genders. Analysis of the qualitative data, however, suggested both monotonic generational shifts as well as generational blips in sound-symbolic associations. Of particular interest is the possible influence of pop culture, fashions, and fads, and society's shifting focus from broadcast to narrowcast media. The implications of this research are relevant for both theory (empirical evidence for iconicity in language) and application (e.g., devising brand names that communicate particular attributes to specific demographics). Close

• 86. [Article] Assessment of hearing sensitivity by use of the acoustic reflex in the geriatric population

  The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the SPAR test (Sensitivity Prediction by the Acoustic Reflex) on a sample of older adults who professed negative otologic histories. Twenty-seven ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessment of hearing sensitivity by use of the acoustic reflex in the geriatric population Author: Gilham, Donna Elvira Year: 1976 The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the SPAR test (Sensitivity Prediction by the Acoustic Reflex) on a sample of older adults who professed negative otologic histories. Twenty-seven subjects, ranging in age from sixty-four to eighty-three years of age (54 ears) were ultimately chosen as subjects. A young adult group, ranging in age from eighteen to thirty years of age, with normal audiometric hearing levels served as controls. Reflex threshold levels were obtained using 500 Hz., 1000 Hz., and 2000 Hz. pure tones and noise stimuli. Assessment of hearing loss was calculated on the difference between measures to ascertain hearing loss category and slope of loss according to a formula developed by Jerger (1974). The following conclusions were made on the basis of data collected in this investigation: The SPAR test was significant in assessing hearing sensitivity levels among the sample of geriatric subjects. The SPAR test was not statistically significant in assessing slope of loss in this sample of geriatric subjects. Reflex thresholds were consistently higher for aging than for a sample of young adults with normal hearing. This was true even among elderly subjects with average pure tone thresholds in the normal range. A significant portion of this carefully screened older adult sample displayed abnormal middle-ear function (as measured by tympanometry) in the absence of conventional audiometric indications of this. A significant portion of this older adult sample provided audiometric evidence of middle-ear pathology. Title: Assessment of hearing sensitivity by use of the acoustic reflex in the geriatric population Author: Gilham, Donna Elvira Year: 1976 The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the SPAR test (Sensitivity Prediction by the Acoustic Reflex) on a sample of older adults who professed negative otologic histories. Twenty-seven subjects, ranging in age from sixty-four to eighty-three years of age (54 ears) were ultimately chosen as subjects. A young adult group, ranging in age from eighteen to thirty years of age, with normal audiometric hearing levels served as controls. Reflex threshold levels were obtained using 500 Hz., 1000 Hz., and 2000 Hz. pure tones and noise stimuli. Assessment of hearing loss was calculated on the difference between measures to ascertain hearing loss category and slope of loss according to a formula developed by Jerger (1974). The following conclusions were made on the basis of data collected in this investigation: The SPAR test was significant in assessing hearing sensitivity levels among the sample of geriatric subjects. The SPAR test was not statistically significant in assessing slope of loss in this sample of geriatric subjects. Reflex thresholds were consistently higher for aging than for a sample of young adults with normal hearing. This was true even among elderly subjects with average pure tone thresholds in the normal range. A significant portion of this carefully screened older adult sample displayed abnormal middle-ear function (as measured by tympanometry) in the absence of conventional audiometric indications of this. A significant portion of this older adult sample provided audiometric evidence of middle-ear pathology. Close

• 87. [Article] Performance of adolescent autistic males on the Michigan picture language inventory

  The purpose of this study was to compare the expressive and comprehensive language structure skills of a selected sample of normal males and adolescent autistic males, using the Michigan Picture Language ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Performance of adolescent autistic males on the Michigan picture language inventory Author: Kline, Marcia Sharril Year: 1975 The purpose of this study was to compare the expressive and comprehensive language structure skills of a selected sample of normal males and adolescent autistic males, using the Michigan Picture Language Inventory (MPLI) as the investigating instrument in order to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between the two groups. The autistic and normal subjects were matched for mental age scores within plus or minus two months as measured by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), Form B. Seven autistic male and seven normal male subjects were selected from the greater Portland metropolitan area to be included in this study. Variables controlled were chronological ages of the autistic males and the mental age scores of the normal subjects. The autistic males were matched for mental age scores as measured by the PPVT (Form B). The results of this study revealed no statistically significant differences between the performance of the autistic and normal subjects relative to the overall expression and comprehension language structure skills. An analysis of the nine word classes indicated that the autistic subjects performed significantly better than the normals on the expressive personal pronouns and the expressive adjectives. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the experimental and control subjects on the comprehension of singular and plural nouns with the autistic males performing better. The findings of this investigation indicate that most of the autistic subjects obtained scores which were relatively close to their matched normals; however it should be noted that there was a considerable chronological age difference between the autistics and their matched normals. The “intact auditory memory” and the familiarity with this type of testing procedure may account for the lack of statistically significant difference in overall expression and comprehension scores. The poorer performance of the autistics on pronoun items is in agreement with many researchers who have studied autistic language and stated that the autistic child may lack the rule for correct pronoun assignments and may “echo” what is heard. The better performance of the autistic subjects on the comprehension of singular and plural nouns, as well as the poorer performance on personal pronouns and adjectives could possibly be explained by the proficient use of concrete versus abstract language. Title: Performance of adolescent autistic males on the Michigan picture language inventory Author: Kline, Marcia Sharril Year: 1975 The purpose of this study was to compare the expressive and comprehensive language structure skills of a selected sample of normal males and adolescent autistic males, using the Michigan Picture Language Inventory (MPLI) as the investigating instrument in order to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between the two groups. The autistic and normal subjects were matched for mental age scores within plus or minus two months as measured by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), Form B. Seven autistic male and seven normal male subjects were selected from the greater Portland metropolitan area to be included in this study. Variables controlled were chronological ages of the autistic males and the mental age scores of the normal subjects. The autistic males were matched for mental age scores as measured by the PPVT (Form B). The results of this study revealed no statistically significant differences between the performance of the autistic and normal subjects relative to the overall expression and comprehension language structure skills. An analysis of the nine word classes indicated that the autistic subjects performed significantly better than the normals on the expressive personal pronouns and the expressive adjectives. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the experimental and control subjects on the comprehension of singular and plural nouns with the autistic males performing better. The findings of this investigation indicate that most of the autistic subjects obtained scores which were relatively close to their matched normals; however it should be noted that there was a considerable chronological age difference between the autistics and their matched normals. The “intact auditory memory” and the familiarity with this type of testing procedure may account for the lack of statistically significant difference in overall expression and comprehension scores. The poorer performance of the autistics on pronoun items is in agreement with many researchers who have studied autistic language and stated that the autistic child may lack the rule for correct pronoun assignments and may “echo” what is heard. The better performance of the autistic subjects on the comprehension of singular and plural nouns, as well as the poorer performance on personal pronouns and adjectives could possibly be explained by the proficient use of concrete versus abstract language. Close

• 88. [Article] Factors Affecting Snowy Plover Chick Survival in a Managed Population

  Understanding survival of precocial chicks in the period immediately following hatching has important conservation implications because population growth is often sensitive to post-hatching survival. We ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Factors Affecting Snowy Plover Chick Survival in a Managed Population Author: Dinsmore, Stephen J., Gaines, Eleanor P., Pearson, Scott F., Lauten, David J., Castelein, Kathleen J. Year: 2017 Understanding survival of precocial chicks in the period immediately following hatching has important conservation implications because population growth is often sensitive to post-hatching survival. We studied federally threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) broods at the northern limit of their range in coastal Oregon (n ¼ 1,157) and Washington (n ¼ 84) from 1991 to 2011 in an attempt to understand seasonal, annual, and spatial patterns of chick survival. In Oregon, plover chick survival increased with age, varied between sites, and was greater at sites with predator management. The mean probability of surviving from hatch to fledging at 28 days of age in Oregon was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.63). In Washington, where predator management was not employed, we conducted separate analyses using individually banded and unbanded chicks and results indicated that survival generally increased with chick age. The mean estimated probability of surviving from hatch to fledging at 28 days of age in Washington was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.35) for individually banded chicks when perfect detection was assumed. This probability increased to 0.67 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.83) when we analyzed unbanded chicks and included detection probability. Our findings confirm the importance of considering age effects in the survival of Snowy Plover chicks and raise questions about the validity of assuming perfect detection of plover chicks during brood checks. This work also highlights the benefit of predator management on chick survival. Title: Factors Affecting Snowy Plover Chick Survival in a Managed Population Author: Dinsmore, Stephen J., Gaines, Eleanor P., Pearson, Scott F., Lauten, David J., Castelein, Kathleen J. Year: 2017 Understanding survival of precocial chicks in the period immediately following hatching has important conservation implications because population growth is often sensitive to post-hatching survival. We studied federally threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) broods at the northern limit of their range in coastal Oregon (n ¼ 1,157) and Washington (n ¼ 84) from 1991 to 2011 in an attempt to understand seasonal, annual, and spatial patterns of chick survival. In Oregon, plover chick survival increased with age, varied between sites, and was greater at sites with predator management. The mean probability of surviving from hatch to fledging at 28 days of age in Oregon was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.63). In Washington, where predator management was not employed, we conducted separate analyses using individually banded and unbanded chicks and results indicated that survival generally increased with chick age. The mean estimated probability of surviving from hatch to fledging at 28 days of age in Washington was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.35) for individually banded chicks when perfect detection was assumed. This probability increased to 0.67 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.83) when we analyzed unbanded chicks and included detection probability. Our findings confirm the importance of considering age effects in the survival of Snowy Plover chicks and raise questions about the validity of assuming perfect detection of plover chicks during brood checks. This work also highlights the benefit of predator management on chick survival. Close

• 89. [Article] The Effects of Frequency of Social Interaction, Social Cohesion, Age, and the Built Environment on Walking

  The purpose of this dissertation was to explore, through a social ecological framework, the multifaceted effects of the neighborhood environment by investigating how dimensions of both the built environment ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Effects of Frequency of Social Interaction, Social Cohesion, Age, and the Built Environment on Walking Author: Luhr, Gretchen Allison Year: 2016 The purpose of this dissertation was to explore, through a social ecological framework, the multifaceted effects of the neighborhood environment by investigating how dimensions of both the built environment and the neighborhood social context may interact to influence walking. Aesthetics, land use mix, crime, and pedestrian infrastructure were considered with respect to built environment walkability, and the neighborhood social context was conceptualized using measures of both social cohesion and social interaction with neighbors. This research used data from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded study of 748 adults (18 years of age and older) residing in the Lents neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Through a series of both multiple linear and logistic regression models, the analyses examined the specific pathways by which social interaction with neighbors, social cohesion, and age influenced the relationship between the built environment and walking behavior. Results suggest that both social interaction and social cohesion but not age moderate the effects of the built environment on walking. There was evidence of mediation, as well, for both social interaction and social cohesion. The implications of these findings for future research and policy are discussed. Title: The Effects of Frequency of Social Interaction, Social Cohesion, Age, and the Built Environment on Walking Author: Luhr, Gretchen Allison Year: 2016 The purpose of this dissertation was to explore, through a social ecological framework, the multifaceted effects of the neighborhood environment by investigating how dimensions of both the built environment and the neighborhood social context may interact to influence walking. Aesthetics, land use mix, crime, and pedestrian infrastructure were considered with respect to built environment walkability, and the neighborhood social context was conceptualized using measures of both social cohesion and social interaction with neighbors. This research used data from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded study of 748 adults (18 years of age and older) residing in the Lents neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Through a series of both multiple linear and logistic regression models, the analyses examined the specific pathways by which social interaction with neighbors, social cohesion, and age influenced the relationship between the built environment and walking behavior. Results suggest that both social interaction and social cohesion but not age moderate the effects of the built environment on walking. There was evidence of mediation, as well, for both social interaction and social cohesion. The implications of these findings for future research and policy are discussed. Close

• 90. [Article] Migrant Remittances, Population Ageing and Intergenerational Family Obligations in Sri Lanka

  As Sri Lanka’s population ages, its migrant women face a difficult choice: should they work abroad to remit money to provision their families, or should they stay at home to look after elderly kin? Although ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Migrant Remittances, Population Ageing and Intergenerational Family Obligations in Sri Lanka Author: Gamburd, Michele Ruth Year: 2015 As Sri Lanka’s population ages, its migrant women face a difficult choice: should they work abroad to remit money to provision their families, or should they stay at home to look after elderly kin? Although numerous studies have explored migration’s effects on children, fewer works focus on issues of elder care. This essay presents contextualizing information on transnational migration from Sri Lanka and the rapid ageing that is transforming the country’s population structure from a pyramid with many youth and few elders into a column. Using qualitative ethnographic data gathered from a labour-sending village in southern Sri Lanka, this anthropological essay considers social priorities around remittances and intergenerational family obligations for care work. Villagers make decisions about allocating able-bodied family members’ labour based on key concepts of filial duty, combined with an analysis of a family’s financial and social resources and the vulnerabilities of its members based on their gender and age. Critiquing assumptions about elders’ lack of economic activity, the essay notes their key role in facilitating labour migration. The data reveal the importance of gender roles, educational achievements, and generational shifts in evaluating emerging practices. In the future, intergenerational family obligations to mutual care will persist despite population aging. But as extended families shrink and care work grows more demanding, choices between elder care and migrant remittances will become more challenging. Title: Migrant Remittances, Population Ageing and Intergenerational Family Obligations in Sri Lanka Author: Gamburd, Michele Ruth Year: 2015 As Sri Lanka’s population ages, its migrant women face a difficult choice: should they work abroad to remit money to provision their families, or should they stay at home to look after elderly kin? Although numerous studies have explored migration’s effects on children, fewer works focus on issues of elder care. This essay presents contextualizing information on transnational migration from Sri Lanka and the rapid ageing that is transforming the country’s population structure from a pyramid with many youth and few elders into a column. Using qualitative ethnographic data gathered from a labour-sending village in southern Sri Lanka, this anthropological essay considers social priorities around remittances and intergenerational family obligations for care work. Villagers make decisions about allocating able-bodied family members’ labour based on key concepts of filial duty, combined with an analysis of a family’s financial and social resources and the vulnerabilities of its members based on their gender and age. Critiquing assumptions about elders’ lack of economic activity, the essay notes their key role in facilitating labour migration. The data reveal the importance of gender roles, educational achievements, and generational shifts in evaluating emerging practices. In the future, intergenerational family obligations to mutual care will persist despite population aging. But as extended families shrink and care work grows more demanding, choices between elder care and migrant remittances will become more challenging. Close