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

Kenzie Latham-Mintus and Deborah Carr

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2019, vol. 74, issue 8, e119-e124

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. MethodUsing 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.

Keywords: Disability; Disease; Friends; Health crises; Social networks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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The Journals of Gerontology: Series B is currently edited by Psychological Sciences - S. Duke Han, PhD and Social Sciences - Jessica A Kelley, PhD, FGSA

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