Differences in Social Support Among Retirees and Workers: Findings From the Normative Aging Study

Cross-sectional differences between retirees and workers in the importance of coworkers as a source of support, as well as in general quantitative support (social networks and frequency of interaction) and qualitative support (confidants and the perceived reliability of support) were examined. The s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychology and aging 1990-03, Vol.5 (1), p.41-47
Main Authors: Bossé, Raymond, Aldwin, Carolyn M, Levenson, Michael R, Workman-Daniels, Kathryn, Ekerdt, David J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aging - psychology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Employee Interaction
Employment - psychology
Human
Humans
Middle Aged
Personnel
Retirement
Retirement - psychology
Social Environment
Social Support
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Summary:Cross-sectional differences between retirees and workers in the importance of coworkers as a source of support, as well as in general quantitative support (social networks and frequency of interaction) and qualitative support (confidants and the perceived reliability of support) were examined. The sample consisted of 1,513 older men (mean age = 61), participants in the Normative Aging Study. Half (56%) were working, and the rest were retired. Slightly fewer retirees than workers reported coworker friends, especially among those who were long-term retirees or who did not work at all in retirement. Whereas similar findings were seen with quantitative support, workers and retirees reported nearly identical levels of qualitative support. However, retirees almost never discussed personal problems with former coworkers. The relevance of these findings for the convoy construct is discussed.
ISSN:0882-7974
1939-1498
DOI:10.1037/0882-7974.5.1.41