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The Differential Availability of Relationships and the Provision and Effectiveness of Support to Older Adults

Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute

Does information on the types of relationships composing older adults' networks provide an indication of the amount and effectiveness of network support? This question was addressed using data from a representative sample from the Netherlands of 160 non-institutionalized older adults between the ages of 65 and 75. Results showed first that different types of relationships differed in their supportiveness. These differences were linked with the degree of consanguinity of kin and the degree of friendship of non-kin. Second, consistent with a mechanism of compensation, the supportiveness of particular types of relationships depended upon the network in which they were embedded, namely upon the availability of an alternative source of support. For example, adult children were more supportive to parents who no longer had a partner than to parents who were still together. Third, the effectiveness of support in providing protection against loneliness varied according to the availability of a partner. Among the cohabiting, support from friends and adult children was unrelated to loneliness. Furthermore, support from the network, instrumental support in particular was less closely associated with loneliness among the cohabiting than among the never married and the formerly married.

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 10, No. 3, 355-370 (1993)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407593103004


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