Gender Differences in Social Network Size and Satisfaction in Adults in Their 70s

McLaughlin, Deirdre
Vagenas, Dimitrios
Pachana, Nancy A.
Begum, Nelufa
Dobson, Annette

University of Queensland, Australia, [email protected]
University of Queensland, Australia
University of Queensland, Australia
University of Queensland, Australia
University of Queensland, Australia

Journal of Health Psychology 15(5):p 671-679, July 2010. | DOI: 10.1177/1359105310368177

Strong social support is associated with lower mortality and morbidity and better self-rated health in later life. The aim of this study was to compare social network size and satisfaction in men (N = 2589) and women (n = 3152), aged 72—78 years. Women reported significantly larger networks (Difference 1.36, 95% CI 0.89, 1.83) than men. However, being separated, divorced or single had a significantly greater impact on men’s social networks (Difference 0.92, 95% CI 0.17, 1.68). Poor mental health and sensory impairments were associated with smaller networks and lower satisfaction with support for both men and women.