The impact of multiple roles on the well-being of older women: Strain or enrichment?

In late adulthood, women can perform a diverse set of roles related to the family, community, individual development, and employment (usually part–time). This chapter discusses the impact of multiple roles on well–being among older women. Two theoretical frameworks were adopted as a basis for discussion of the research findings accumulated on this issue: role enrichment theory and role strain theory. In general, research findings have indicated that multiple roles contribute to enhancing women’s health in later life, reducing their isolation, and providing social support. Moreover, findings have revealed that the relationship between multiple roles and well–being is complex and is affected by various factors, including personality traits and culture. The chapter's overall conclusion is that the role enrichment and role strain theories may be too simplistic to explain women's well–being at late adulthood, and a combined approach that incorporates the main premises of each theory may provide a better fit. Overall, it appears that at times multiple roles lead to enrichment, and at other times they lead to strain. Therefore, it could be useful to adopt an approach that acknowledges that in late adulthood women can simultaneously experience role conflict and role enrichment. Accordingly, the relevant question is not whether women experience strain or enrichment when performing multiple roles, or whether activity or disengagement leads to well–being.