Continuity and change in social support between young-old and old-old or very-old age

J Gerontol. 1988 Jul;43(4):P100-6. doi: 10.1093/geronj/43.4.p100.

Abstract

This longitudinal research examined continuity and change in social support in a sample of 74 old-old (74 to 84) or very-old (85 and over) members of the Berkeley Older Generation Study. Considerable continuity in extent of contact was found between 1969 and 1983 for the group as a whole, particularly with respect to family relationships. In beyond-family contacts, declines were observed for men but not women, and for the very-old but not the old-old. Important changes also were observed in involvement or subjective level of commitment: satisfaction with children increased, while involvement beyond the family declined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Family
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychology, Social
  • Social Change*
  • Social Environment*
  • Social Support*