A Friend in Need? Exploring the Influence of Disease and Disability Onset on the Number of Close Friends among Older Adults

Abstract

This research examines whether onset of life-threatening disease (i.e., cancer, lung disease, heart disease, or stroke) or activities of daily living disability influences the reported number of close friends. Method: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 2006-2012), this research capitalizes on panel data to assess changes in number of close friends over a 4-year period. Lagged dependent variable (LDV) and change score (CS) approaches were used. Results: Both the LDV and CS models provide evidence that onset of life-threatening disease was associated with reporting more friends 4 years later. In particular, onset of cancer was associated with reporting more close friends. Discussion: This research provides evidence of the network activation hypothesis following onset of life-threatening disease among older adults.