title: Social Networks of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examines global social networks-including friendship, support, and acquaintance networks-of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Utilizing data from a large community-based study, we employ multiple regression analyses to examine correlates of social network size and diversity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Controlling for background characteristics, network size was positively associated with being female, transgender identity, employment, higher income, having a partner or a child, identity disclosure to a neighbor, engagement in religious activities, and service use. Controlling in addition for network size, network diversity was positively associated with younger age, being female, transgender identity, identity disclosure to a friend, religious activity, and service use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to social capital theory, social networks provide a vehicle for social resources that can be beneficial for successful aging and well-being. This study is a first step at understanding the correlates of social network size and diversity among LGBT older adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Statistics and School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA elena@stat.washington.edu.
authors.forename: Elena A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Erosheva
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, School of Social Work, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Hyun-Jun
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Tacoma, School of Social Work, Tacoma, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Emlet
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, School of Social Work, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Karen I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Fredriksen-Goldsen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D063106:Transgender Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: aging; older adults; social networks