Intergenerational Care and Subjective Well-being: A Study of the Particularities of Ageing Amongst the Indigenous Peoples of Chile.

This study investigates intergenerational caregiving and subjective well-being among older adults in Indigenous and Afrodescendant communities in rural Chile, highlighting the cultural and historical contexts shaping these practices. Data from 1,348 participants across multiple ethnic groups reveal that caregiving is predominantly undertaken by women and is closely tied to cultural identity, with significant variations by ethnic group and gender. Positive associations with well-being include living with others, transmitting Indigenous knowledge to children, and providing instrumental support to grandchildren, while caregiving for grandchildren and certain emotional supports showed negative associations. The findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive social work policies that respect Indigenous and Afrodescendant traditions, address economic and demographic challenges, and support caregivers, particularly women, to enhance the well-being of older adults in these communities.