11.3 Relationships and Social Support

As we age, our social networks change. We tend to focus on close relationships and meaningful connections, while peripheral relationships may decrease. This shift impacts our emotional well-being and support systems, influencing how we navigate the challenges of late adulthood.

Family relationships play a crucial role in this stage of life. Marital transitions, like widowhood or divorce, can reshape our social landscape. Meanwhile, intergenerational bonds with grandchildren and adult children provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of continuity in our lives.

Social Networks and Relationships in Late Adulthood

Changes in social networks

Top images from around the web for Changes in social networks

• 

  Opinion dynamics and consensus in social networks - Research Outreach View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  4 – Attraction and Relationships – Social Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  "Cooperative behaviour cascades in social networks" | Good Medicine View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Opinion dynamics and consensus in social networks - Research Outreach View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  4 – Attraction and Relationships – Social Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Changes in social networks

• 

  Opinion dynamics and consensus in social networks - Research Outreach View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  4 – Attraction and Relationships – Social Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  "Cooperative behaviour cascades in social networks" | Good Medicine View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Opinion dynamics and consensus in social networks - Research Outreach View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  4 – Attraction and Relationships – Social Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Reduced social network size
  • Decreased number of peripheral relationships (acquaintances, coworkers)
  • Focus on close, meaningful relationships (family, long-time friends)
• Increased selectivity in social interactions
  • Preference for emotionally satisfying relationships (supportive, positive)
  • Disengagement from less rewarding relationships (draining, conflictual)
• Potential loss of significant relationships
  • Death of spouse, friends, or family members (widowhood, bereavement)
  • Relocation or mobility issues limiting social interactions (moving to retirement communities, health limitations)
• Shifts in social roles and responsibilities
  • Retirement from work and changes in daily routines (more leisure time, new hobbies)
  • Increased involvement in grandparenting or caregiving roles (babysitting grandchildren, caring for aging parents)

Importance of social support

• Emotional support
  • Provides comfort, understanding, and a sense of belonging (empathy, validation)
  • Helps in coping with stressors and life transitions (loss, health issues)
• Instrumental support
  • Assistance with daily tasks, such as transportation or household chores (grocery shopping, meal preparation)
  • Helps maintain independence and quality of life (aging in place, managing chronic conditions)
• Informational support
  • Advice, guidance, and access to resources (healthcare options, financial planning)
  • Aids in decision-making and problem-solving (navigating complex systems, making informed choices)
• Companionship and social engagement
  • Reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation (regular social interactions, shared activities)
  • Promotes a sense of purpose and fulfillment (volunteering, pursuing hobbies with others)

Family Relationships and Life Events

Impact of marital transitions

• Widowhood
  • Loss of a significant source of emotional and practical support (confidant, partner in daily life)
  • Increased risk of social isolation and loneliness (absence of shared routines, companionship)
  • Need for adaptation and rebuilding of social networks (forming new friendships, engaging in community activities)
• Divorce
  • Changes in family dynamics and relationships with adult children (co-parenting, maintaining bonds)
  • Potential loss of shared social connections and support systems (mutual friends, in-laws)
  • Opportunities for personal growth and new relationships (rediscovering interests, dating)
• Remarriage
  • Blending of families and adjustment to new roles and relationships (stepparenting, integrating social circles)
  • Potential conflicts with adult children or stepchildren (loyalty issues, inheritance concerns)
  • Renewed source of companionship and emotional support (shared experiences, building a new partnership)

Role of intergenerational relationships

• Grandparent-grandchild relationships
  • Providing emotional support, guidance, and mentoring (life lessons, encouragement)
  • Transmission of family history, values, and traditions (storytelling, cultural practices)
  • Mutual learning and personal growth opportunities (teaching technology skills, learning from younger perspectives)
• Adult child-parent relationships
  • Provision of practical and emotional support (assisting with healthcare, offering a listening ear)
  • Assistance with health care, financial, or housing needs (coordinating medical appointments, managing finances)
  • Maintaining a sense of family cohesion and continuity (regular communication, family gatherings)
• Benefits of strong family connections
  • Enhanced well-being and life satisfaction (sense of belonging, purpose)
  • Reduced risk of depression and cognitive decline (social stimulation, emotional support)
  • Increased resilience in the face of challenges and losses (coping with health issues, adapting to change)