Continuation of exchange with neighbors in later life: The importance of the neighborhood context

Abstract

Relationships with neighbors are considered exchange relationships, in which the continuation of exchanges depends on balance in previous exchanges. Our study tested whether this is the case. An exchange relationship implies that neighbor relationships are isolated units. We expected, however, that neighborhood integration also affects the continuation of exchange among neighbors. Data were from a longitudinal study among 1,692 independently living Dutch adults of ages 55 to 85 years at baseline and their 7,415 relationships with proximate network members. At a four-year follow-up, both perceived balance and neighborhood integration at baseline increased the chance of instrumental support exchange occurring. We concluded that it is too limited to view relationships between neighbors as exchange relationships, as these relationships are embedded in larger communities, where such communities exist.

Rural and urban perspectives on growing old: developing a new research agenda

“…Following this, we also need to develop a broader research agenda about the way in which neighbourhood change in urban areas can combat social exclusion or, expressed more positively, contribute to social inclusion in old age. Forrest and Kearns (2001) make the point that neighbours and neighbouring retain great importance for the poor and elderly, a finding which seems to hold in a variety of environmental and cultural contexts (Campbell and Lee 1992;Logan and Spitze 1994;Scharf et al 2002;Thome´se et al 2003). At the same time, we remain relatively ignorant about influences on patterns of local interaction and possibilities for support within different types of neighbourhood.…”

Loneliness in urban neighbourhoods: an Anglo-Dutch comparison

“…Neighbourhood factors can affect the intensity of loneliness via the size of individuals' networks of relationships, while variations between neighbourhoods can work directly via differences in mutual concern for co-residents' well-being. As Thomése et al (2003) show, as such mutual concern and shared feelings of community embeddedness increase, the risk of loneliness at the individual level decreases. As a result, perceived quality of the neighbourhood is broadly seen as one of the crucial factors mediating differences in levels of loneliness.…”

Discrepancies between personal income and neighbourhood status: effects on physical and mental health

“…age homogeneity, population turnover), physical aspects (e.g. housing quality), and services and resources (Macintyre et al 2002;Sampson et al 2002;Glass and Balfour 2003;Thome´se et al 2003). The research literature shows little consistency in specific conceptualisations and measurements of these pathways, but nevertheless the outcomes are surprisingly robust in that structural characteristics, social relationships, and social problems in neighbourhoods are interrelated (Sampson et al 2002).…”