Abstract
As people age, many aspects of their lives tend to change, including the constellation of people with whom they are connected, their social context, their families, and their health—changes that are often interrelated. Wave I of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) has yielded rich information on intimate ties, especially dyads and families, and on social connections generally. Combined with extensive biological and other health measures, NSHAP enables researchers to address key questions on health and aging. We begin with recent findings on intimate dyads, then move to social participation, and finally to elder mistreatment. Among dyads, we find that whereas sexual activity drops sharply with age for both women and men, gender differences in partner loss as well as psychosocial and normative pressures constrain women’s sex more than men’s. However, surviving partnerships tend to be emotionally and physically satisfying and are marked by relatively frequent sex. In contrast to sex, nonsexual intimacy is highly prevalent at older ages, especially among women. Older adults are also socially resilient—adapting to the loss of social ties by increasing involvement with community and kin networks. Despite these social assets, older adults remain vulnerable to mistreatment. Overall, these findings yield a mixed picture of gender-differentiated vulnerabilities balanced by proactive adaptation and maintenance of social and dyadic assets.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Acierno, R. 2003. “Elder Mistreatment: Epidemiological Assessment Methodology.” Pp. 261–302 inElder Mistreatment: Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in an Aging America. Panel to Review Risk and Prevalence of Elder Abuse and Neglect, edited by R.J. Bonnie and R.B. Wallace. Committee on National Statistics and Committee on Law and Justice, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
Antonucci, T.C. and H. Akiyama. 1995. “Convoys of Social Relations: Family and Friendships Within a Life Span Context.” Pp. 355–71 inHandbook of Aging and the Family, edited by R. Blieszner and V.H. Bedford. Westport, CT: Greenwood.
Basson, R., J. Berman, A. Burnett, L. Derogatis, D. Ferguson, J. Fourcroy, I. Goldstein, et al. 2000. “Report of the International Consensus Development Conference on Female Sexual Dysfunction: Definitions and Classifications.”Journal of Urology 163: 888–93.
Baumeister, R.F. 2000. “Gender Differences in Erotic Plasticity: The Female Sex Drive as Socially Flexible and Responsive.”Psychological Bulletin 126: 347–74.
—. 2004. “Gender and Erotic Plasticity: Sociocultural Influences on the Sex Drive.”Sex and Relationship Therapy 19: 133–39.
Bramlett, M.D. and W.D. Mosher. 2002. “Cohabitation, Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage in the United States.”Vital and Health Statistics, Series 23, No. 22. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.
Bullivant, S.B., S.A. Sellergren, K. Stern, N.A. Spencer, and S. Jacob. 2004. “Women’s Sexual Experience During the Menstrual Cycle: Identification of the Sexual Phase by Noninvasive Measurement of Luteinizing Hormone.”Journal of Sex Research 41: 82–93.
Burt, R. 1987. “A Note on Strangers, Friends and Happiness.”Social Networks 9: 311–31.
Cacioppo, J.T. and W. Patrick. 2008.Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection. New York: Norton.
Christakis, N.A. and P.D. Allison. 2008. “Inter-Spousal Mortality Effects: Caregiver Burden Across the Spectrum of Disabling Diseases.” Pp. 455–78 inHealth at Older Ages: The Causes and Consequences of Declining Disability Among the Elderly, edited by D. Cutler, D.A. Wise, and R.G. Woodbury. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Coleman, J.S. 1988. “Social Capital in the Creation of Human Capital.”American Journal of Sociology 94: S95-S120.
Comijs, H.C., B.W.J.H. Penninx, K.P.M. Knipscheer, and W. van Tilburg. 1999. “Psychological Distress in Victims of Elder Mistreatment: The Effects of Social Support and Coping.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 54B: P240-P245.
Cornwell, B., E.O. Laumann, and L.P. Schumm. 2008. “The Social Connectedness of Older Adults: ANational Profile.”American Sociological Review 73: 185–203.
Cornwell, B., L.P. Schumm, E.O. Laumann, and J. Graber. 2009. “Social Networks in the NSHAP Study: Rationale, Measurement, and Preliminary Findings.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i47-i55.
Cornwell, E.Y., and L.J. Waite. 2009. “Measuring Objective and Subjective Isolation Using Multiple Indicators From the NSHAP Study.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i38-i46.
Cumming, E. and W.E. Henry. 1961.Growing Old, The Process of Disengagement. New York: Basic Books.
Das, A. 2007. “Masturbation in the United States.”Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 33: 301–17.
Das, A., E.O. Laumann, and L.J Waite. Forthcoming. “Sexual Expression Over the Life Course: Results From Three Landmark Surveys.” InSexualities Over the Life Course edited by L. Carpenter and J. Delamater. New York: New York University Press.
Das, A., W.L. Parish, and E.O. Laumann. 2009. “Masturbation in Urban China.”Archives of Sexual Behavior 38: 108–20.
Dekker, A. and G. Schmidt. 2002. “Patterns of Masturbatory Behavior: Changes Between the Sixties and the Nineties.” Pp. 35–49 inMasturbation as a Means of Achieving Sexual Health, edited by W.O. Bockting and E. Coleman. Binghamton, NY: Haworth.
Deng, Z. and D. Bonacich. 1991. “Some Effects of Urbanism on Black Networks.”Social Networks 13: 35–50.
Elwert, F. and N.A. Christakis. 2006. “Widowhood and Race.”American Sociological Review 71: 16–41.
Felder, S. 2006. “The Gender Longevity Gap: Explaining the Difference Between Singles and Couples.”Journal of Population Economics 19: 543–57.
Gavrilova, N. and S.T. Lindau. 2009. “Salivary Sex Hormone Measurement in a National, Population-Based Study of Older Adults.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i94-i105.
House, J.S. 2001. “Social Isolation Kills, but How and Why?”Psychosomatic Medicine 63: 273–74.
Hughes, M.E., L.J. Waite, J. Cacioppo, and L.C. Hawkley. 2004. “A Short Scale for Measuring Loneliness in Large Surveys: Results From Two Population-Based Studies.”Research on Aging 26: 655–72.
Hurlbert, J.S., V.A. Haines, and J.J. Beggs. 2000. “Core Networks and Tie Activation: What Kinds of Routine Networks Allocate Resources in Nonroutine Situations?”American Sociological Review 65: 598–618.
Hwalek, M. and M.C. Sengstock. 1986. “Assessing the Probability of Abuse of the Elderly: Toward the Development of a Clinical Screening Instrument.”Journal of Applied Gerontology 5: 153–73.
Joyner, K. and E.O. Laumann. 2001. “Teenage Sex and Sexual Revolution.” Pp. 41–71 inSex, Love and Health in America: Private Choices and Public Policies, edited by E.O. Laumann and R.T. Michael. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Knoke, D. 1990. “Networks of Political Action: Toward Theory Construction.”Social Forces 68: 1041–63.
Kontula, O. and E. Haavio-Mannila. 1995.Sexual Pleasures: Enhancement of Sex Life in Finland, 1971–1992. Aldershot: Dartmouth.
—. 2002. “Masturbation in a Generational Perspective.” Pp. 49–83 inMasturbation as a Means of Achieving Sexual Health, edited by W.O. Bockting and E. Coleman. Binghamton, NY: Haworth.
Lachs, M.S., C.S. Williams, S. O’Brien, K.A. Pillemer, and M.E. Charlson. 1998. “The Mortality of Elder Mistreatment.”Journal of the American Medical Association 280: 428–32.
Laumann, E.O., A. Das, and L.J. Waite. 2008. “Sexual Dysfunction Among Older Adults: Prevalence and Risk Factors From a Nationally Representative U.S. Probability Sample of Men and Women 57 to 85 Years of Age.”Journal of Sexual Medicine 5: 2300–11.
Laumann, E.O., S. Ellingson, J. Mahay, and A. Paik. 2004.The Sexual Organization of the City. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Laumann, E.O., J.H. Gagnon, R.T. Michael, and S. Michaels. 1994.The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States. Chicago: University of Chicago.
Laumann, E.O., S. Leitsch, and L.J. Waite. 2008. “Elder Mistreatment in the United States: Prevalence Estimates From a Nationally Representative Study.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B63B: S248-S254.
Laumann, E.O. and Y. Youm. 2001. “Sexual Expression in America.” Pp. 109–48 inSex, Love, and Health in America: Private Choices and Public Policies, edited by E.O. Laumann and R.T. Michael. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Lindau, S.T., M. Drum, E. Gaumer, H. Surawaska, and J. Jordan. 2008. “Prevalence of High-Risk HPV Infection Among Older Women in the United States.”Obstetrics and Gynecology 112: 979–89.
Lindau, S.T., J.N. Hoffmann, K. Lundeen, A. Jaszczak, M.K. McClintock, and J.A. Jordan. 2009. “Vaginal Self-Swab Specimen Collection in a Home-Based Survey of Older Women: Method and Applications.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B: i106-i119.
Lindau, S.T., E.O. Laumann, and W. Levinson. 2007. “Reply to the Editor: Prevalence of Sexual Activity, Behaviors and Problems Among Older Adults in the United States: A National, Population-Based Study.”New England Journal of Medicine 357: 2732–33.
Lindau, S.T., E.O. Laumann, W. Levinson, and L.J. Waite. 2003. “Synthesis of Scientific Disciplines in Pursuit of Health: The Interactive Biopsychosocial Model.”Perspectives in Biology and Medicine 46: S74-S86.
Lindau, S.T., P. Schumm, E.O. Laumann, W. Levinson, C.A. O’Muircheartaigh, and L.J. Waite. 2007. “ANational Study of Sexuality and Health Among Older Adults in the U.S.”New England Journal of Medicine 357: 762–74.
Marin, A. 2004. “Are Respondents More Likely to List Alters With Certain Characteristics? Implications for Name Generator Data.”Social Networks 26: 289–307.
Marsden, P. 1987. “Core Discussion Networks of Americans.”American Sociological Review 52: 122–31.
McDowell, I. and C. Newell. 1996.Measuring Health: A Guide to Rating Scales and Questionnaires. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
McPherson, M., L. Smith-Lovin, and M. Brashears. 2006. “Social Isolation in America: Changes in Core Discussion Networks Over Two Decades.”American Sociological Review 71: 353–75.
Moore, G. 1990. “Structural Determinants of Men’s and Women’s Personal Networks.”American Sociological Review 55: 726–35.
O’Muircheartaigh, C.O. and S.N. Smith. 2007. “NSHAP (National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project) Wave 1 Methodology Report.” National Opinion Research Center, Chicago.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 2002. “OECD Health Data 2010.” Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris.
Presser, H.B. 1975. “Age Differences Between Spouses.”American Behavioral Scientist 19: 190–205.
Qato, D.M., L.P. Schumm, M. Johnson, A. Mihai, and S.T. Lindau. 2009. “Medication Data Collection and Coding in a Home-Based Survey of Older Adults.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i86-i93.
Rasulo, D., K. Christensen, and C. Tomassini. 2005. “The Influence of Social Relations on Mortality in Later Life: A Study on Elderly Danish Twins.”The Gerontologist 45: 601–608.
Rosen, R.C. and E.O. Laumann. 2003. “The Prevalence of Sexual Problems in Women: How Valid Are Comparisons Across Studies?”Archives of Sexual Behavior 32: 209–11.
Ruan, D. 1998. “The Content of the General Social Survey Discussion Networks: An Exploration of the General Social Survey Discussion Name Generator in a Chinese Context.”Social Networks 20: 247–64.
Schofield, M.J. and G.D. Mishra. 2003. “Validity of Self-report Screening Scale for Elder Abuse: Women’s Health Australia Study.”Gerontologist 43: 110–20.
Schumm, L.P., M. McClintock, S. Williams, S. Leitsch, J. Lundstrom, T. Hummel, and S.T. Lindau. 2009. “Assessment of Sensory Function in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i76-i85.
Shiovitz-Ezra, S., S. Leitsch, J. Graber, and A. Karraker. 2009. “Quality of Life and Psychological Health Indicators in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i30-i37.
Smith, S., A. Jaszczak, J. Graber, K. Lundeen, S. Leitsch, E. Wargo, and C. O’Muircheartaigh. 2009. “Instrument Development, Study Design Implementation, and Survey Conduct for the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i20-i29.
Straits, B.C. 1996. “Ego-net Diversity: Same- and Cross-Sex Coworker Ties.”Social Networks 18: 29–45.
Thoits, P.A. 1995. “Stress, Coping, and Social Support Processes: Where Are We? What Next?”Journal of Health and Social Behavior 35: 53–79.
Umberson, D. 1992. “Gender, Marital Status and the Social Control of Health Behavior.”Social Science and Medicine 34: 907–17.
Waite, L.J., E.O. Laumann, and A. Das. 2008. “Sexual Activity, Older Age.” Pp. 362–66 inEncyclopedia of the Life Course and Human Development, Vol. 3, edited by D. Carr, R. Crosnoe, M.E. Hughes, and A. Pienta. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson/Gale.
Waite, L.J., E.O. Laumann, A. Das, and L.P. Schumm. 2009. “Sexuality: Measures of Partnerships, Practices, Attitudes, and Problems in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Study.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i56-i66.
Williams, S.R. and T.W. McDade. 2009. “The Use of Dried Blood Spot Sampling in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i131-i136.
Williams, S.R., G. Pham-Kanter, and S.A. Leitsch. 2009. “Measures of Chronic Conditions and Diseases Associated With Aging in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.”The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 64B(Suppl. 1): i67-i75.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Waite, L., Das, A. Families, social life, and well-being at older ages. Demography 47 (Suppl 1), S87–S109 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1353/dem.2010.0009
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/dem.2010.0009