Gender Differences in Informal Support and Coping Among Elders:

Abstract

Maintenance of close ties with family and friends can ease adjustments to old age, facilitate the autonomy of the older person, and increase well-being. Provision and receipt of informal support within the context of family and friendship networks can enhance the capacity of elders to cope. Findings from Canada's 1990 General Social Survey on family and friends are analyzed to examine relationships between ties with family and friends and health status of elders. Some limited comparisons are made between the 1985 General Social Survey on Health and Social Support and the 1990 Survey. It is found that ties with family and friends are maintained and that, on average, Canadian elders are healthy well into old age. Health status is related to informal supports in that those men and women who are in best health have most contact. Men in poor health have least contact and women in poor health have the most frequent contacts. Men emotionally rely largely on spouses, without whom they have no one. Women diversify their emotional supports, but often are without supports as well. Some implications for public policy and future research are discussed.