@article {10041, title = {A friend in need? Exploring the influence of disease and disability onset on the number of close friends among older adults.}, journal = {Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences \& Social Sciences}, year = {2019}, 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.
}, keywords = {Disabilities, Health Conditions and Status, Social Support}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbz050}, author = {Kenzie Latham-Mintus} }