%0 Journal Article %J Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences %D 2019 %T A friend in need? Exploring the influence of disease and disability onset on the number of close friends among older adults. %A Kenzie Latham-Mintus %K Disabilities %K Health Conditions and Status %K Social Support %X

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.

%B Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences %G eng %1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31056663?dopt=Abstract %R 10.1093/geronb/gbz050