Social Connectors or Constraints: Gender Differences in the Effects of Living Arrangements on Social Networks and Social Support in Later Life

Juyeon Kim, University of Chicago

This study examines the effects of household members (e.g., spouse, child, and relatives/non-relatives) on older adult’s social networks and social supports. Using data from the 2005-2006 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), the study finds that having a co-resident spouse is associated with large social networks and more social support for older adults, compared to singles living alone, and that these associations are greater for men. Co-resident child(ren) or other relatives/non-relatives are associated with smaller networks for married older men than those living only with a spouse, but not for single men. For older women, the results are the opposite; co-residency with child(ren) or other relatives/non-relatives constrains single women for large networks. These associations further vary by age of household members. The results demonstrate that additional household members do not guarantee larger social networks or more support, especially for married older men.