| Title | A friend in need? Exploring the influence of disease and disability onset on the number of close friends among older adults. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2019 |
| Authors | Latham-Mintus, K |
| Journal | Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences |
| ISSN Number | 1758-5368 |
| Keywords | Disabilities, Health Conditions and Status, Social Support |
| 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 (ADL) disability influences the reported number of close friends. METHODS: 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 four-year period. Lagged dependent variable (LDV) and change score (CS) approaches were employed. RESULTS: Both the LDV and CS models provide evidence that onset of life-threatening disease was associated with reporting more friends four 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. |
| DOI | 10.1093/geronb/gbz050 |
| User Guide Notes | |
| Alternate Journal | J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci |
| Citation Key | 10041 |
| PubMed ID | 31056663 |
