Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, Vol 53, Issue 6 S354-S364, Copyright © 1998 by The Gerontological Society of America

ARTICLES

Living alone and neighborhood characteristics as predictors of social support in late life

EE Thompson and N Krause
Department of Health Education, University of Maryland, College Park, USA. estina@wam.umd.edu

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to devise and test a conceptual model that explains how neighborhood quality, fear of crime, and received emotional support affect an elderly person's expectations of future assistance should the need arise (i.e., anticipated support). METHODS: Using a nationwide survey of older adults, a series of nested latent variable models was tested to determine if the social support process differs between older adults living alone and those living with others. RESULTS: Consistent with a social ecological perspective, data suggest that anticipated support is lower among elders who live in deteriorated neighborhoods than among older adults who live in well- maintained neighborhoods. Moreover, the deleterious effects of run-down neighborhoods appear to be especially pronounced for older adults who live alone. DISCUSSION: Select constructs that link deteriorated neighborhoods with anticipated support are explored. Suggestions for future research are made.

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