Stability and change in older adults' social contact and social support: the Cardiovascular Health Study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the degree of individual change in structural indicators of social support (family network contact and close friend network contact) and functional indicators of social support (belonging, appraisal, and tangible support) during late life.


METHODS
Using a large population-based sample of older adults, hierarchical linear modeling was applied to examine the extent of change in social contact and support as well as sociodemographic characteristics (age, race, gender, and education) that might explain individual variability in contact and support at baseline and over time.


RESULTS
Consistent with predictions, small yet significant increases were observed in belonging support and tangible support. Contrary to predictions, no evidence was found for significant individual change in family network contact, close friend network contact, or appraisal support. Sociodemographic characteristics were more consistent predictors of variability in contact and support at baseline than variability over time.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study add to a growing literature suggesting that late life is not typically characterized by a decline in important social resources.
Martire
L M
LM
Department of Psychiatry and University Center for Social and Urban Research, University of Pittsburgh, USA. martire+@pitt.edu
Schulz
R
R
Mittelmark
M B
MB
Newsom
J T
JT
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States