Gaps in social support resources in later life: An adaptational challenge in need of further research

Abstract

Gaps in social support resources in later life may arise when older adults lose social network members due to illness, death, or residential relocation. Gaps also may arise when social networks remain intact but are not well suited to meet older adults’ intensifying support needs, such as needs for extended or highly personal instrumental support. Significant gaps in support resources are likely to require adaptive responses by older adults. This discussion highlights theoretical perspectives and illustrates empirical findings regarding the nature and effectiveness of older adults’ responses to gaps in their social support resources. The literature examining these issues is relatively small and, as a result, is ripe for further development. Promising directions for future research are suggested.

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“…In this study the majority of the participants, CGs and CRs alike, appear to have tenuous ties to family and social networks and therefore are more reliant on these resources of social support (Rook, 2009). The designation of a friend as familial thus may stem from an increased level of intimacy.…”

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“…Census data also reveal trends in decreased marriage rates, fewer children per household, and increased rates of childlessness (US Census Bureau, 2011). Taken together with an aging population, smaller families and greater mobility reduces the ability to draw upon familial sources of informal support in old age (Lafreniere et al, 2003; Rook, 2009). Decreased community involvement is evidenced by falling rates of volunteerism (US Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics, 2016) and an increasing percentage of Americans reporting no religious affiliation (Pew Research Center, 2015).…”