Social Support Exchange Among Older Adults in the US
Author Information
Author(s): Suanet Bianca, Huxhold Oliver, Smith Jacqui
Hypothesis
Does the trend of increasing social support exchanges among older adults in Europe also apply to the US, and how do factors like income and race influence these exchanges?
Conclusion
While there is an increase in positive social support exchanges among older adults in the US, significant disparities based on race and income still exist.
Supporting Evidence
- There is a general increase in positive social support exchanges among older adults.
- Disparities in social support exchange persist based on race and socioeconomic status.
- Individuals with lower incomes and from ethnic minority backgrounds experience more negative social support exchanges.
Takeaway
Older people in the US are getting more help from others, but those with less money or from different races often get less support and more negative interactions.
Methodology
Cohort-sequential analysis of Health and Retirement Study data from 2008 to 2022.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture all factors influencing social support exchanges.
Participant Demographics
Older adults in the United States, with a focus on race and income disparities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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