A Friend in Need? Exploring the Influence of Disease and Disability Onset on the Number of Close Friends Among Older Adults

Kenzie Latham-Mintus

16 citations0/0 files storedThe Journals of Gerontology Series B

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Aging and Gerontology Research Aging, Health, and Disability Health disparities and outcomes

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This research examines whether onset of life-threatening disease (i.e., cancer, lung disease, heart disease, or stroke) or activities of daily living disability influences the reported number of close friends. METHOD: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 2006-2012), this research capitalizes on panel data to assess changes in number of close friends over a 4-year period. Lagged dependent variable (LDV) and change score (CS) approaches were used. RESULTS: Both the LDV and CS models provide evidence that onset of life-threatening disease was associated with reporting more friends 4 years later. In particular, onset of cancer was associated with reporting more close friends. DISCUSSION: This research provides evidence of the network activation hypothesis following onset of life-threatening disease among older adults.

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References

1982Chronic illness as biographical disruption 1992Social and emotional patterns in adulthood: Support for socioemotional selectivity theory.2012Social network changes and life events across the life span: A meta-analysis.2008The Social Connectedness of Older Adults: A National Profile 2006Social Network Typologies and Mental Health Among Older Adults 1840Mortality in the United States 2000Health Promoting Effects of Friends and Family on Health Outcomes in Older Adults 2026Mortality in the United States, 2024

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