Gender Differences in Social Network Size and Satisfaction in Adults in Their 70s

Strong social support is associated with lower mortality and morbidity and better self-rated health in later life. The aim of this study was to compare social network size and satisfaction in men (N = 2589) and women (n = 3152), aged 72—78 years. Women reported significantly larger networks (Differe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of health psychology 2010-07, Vol.15 (5), p.671-679
Main Authors: McLaughlin, Deirdre, Vagenas, Dimitrios, Pachana, Nancy A., Begum, Nelufa, Dobson, Annette
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aging - psychology
Chronic Disease - psychology
Female
Gender differences
Health status
Humans
Longevity
Male
Marital Status
Mens health
Mental health
Morbidity
Morbidity-Mortality
Mortality
Personal Satisfaction
Quality of Life - psychology
Queensland
Self evaluation
Sensation Disorders - psychology
Sensory impairment
Sex Factors
Social networks
Social Support
Women
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Summary:Strong social support is associated with lower mortality and morbidity and better self-rated health in later life. The aim of this study was to compare social network size and satisfaction in men (N = 2589) and women (n = 3152), aged 72—78 years. Women reported significantly larger networks (Difference 1.36, 95% CI 0.89, 1.83) than men. However, being separated, divorced or single had a significantly greater impact on men’s social networks (Difference 0.92, 95% CI 0.17, 1.68). Poor mental health and sensory impairments were associated with smaller networks and lower satisfaction with support for both men and women.
ISSN:1359-1053
1461-7277
DOI:10.1177/1359105310368177