The Social Networks of Older Europeans

Abstract

This chapter considers the nature and the function of social networks among older Europeans at the present time. Using data from the second wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe, in 13 countries, our empirical analysis addresses three major research questions. First, what is the current composition and state of social networks among older European adults? Second, do regional differences prevail across Europe in the realm of social networks? And third, are social networks indeed related to a good old age, as measured by a state of well-being in late life? The results show that older European adults are generally socially connected and that family ties are still quite prevalent in their lives. However, only some of them are actively engaged in the exchange of help of some kind, whether as providers or recipients. The study also shows significant regional differences in the structure of social networks and in their dynamics. Compared with older people in the West of Europe, older people in the South and in the East generally have more intimate familial ties and exchanges. Those in the North are less connected, in this regard, but can still be said to maintain intimacy at a distance. Finally, the analysis demonstrates that the social networks of older Europeans are associated with their well-being in late life to varying degrees across the regions of Europe. Social networks matter most in Western Europe—this region has the greatest range of network characteristics related to well-being, all else considered. Social networks are important for well-being to a lesser degree in the East and to an even lesser extent in the North.