Emerging Scholars

Shiro Fuyura, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Purdue University (currently on leave to serve as David E. Bell Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University)

Project title: "Retirement and Family Transitions in Later Life"

Project abstract

This project examines the associations of retirement with the union formation and dissolution in middle-aged and older adults. As the Baby Boomers, who divorced at higher rate than previous cohorts and continue to do so as they age, has become old, older people in the contemporary United States are more likely to experience union formation and dissolution than in the past. Given that work plays a central role in the theoretical frameworks of marital/union formation and dissolution, this project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between retirement and union transitions, including both formation and dissolution of marriage and cohabitation, in later life. Specifically, this project will (1) assess the associations of retirement with union transitions, (2) investigation the causation in this association, and (3) extend the scope to populations outside of the United States. To address these aims, I will analyze data from the Health and Retirement Study and its international sister studies, such as the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement for the Continental Europe, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing for England, the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study for China, and the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement for Japan.

Lauren Newmyer, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Bowling Green State University

Project title: "Sexual Health and Behavior in Later Life: The Role of Relationships"

Project abstract

As population aging persists, it is important to examine all aspects of health and well-being in later life. Although sexual frequency tends to decline with age, sexual activity continues to play an important role in overall well-being, with links to mental and physical health. This project uses longitudinal data from the National Social Life, Health & Aging Project (NSHAP) to examine the contribution of relationship histories, current partner dynamics, and broader social relationships to sexual health and behavior in older adulthood.