Family and social networks

Abstract

Ageing takes place within a social context. At each phase of the lifecycle the individual belongs to a variety of kinship and social groups all of which bring interactions and relationships with family, friends and neighbours. The extent to which an older person is enmeshed within a social network of kin, friends and neighbours will greatly effect her/his experience of ageing. In this chapter we examine the extent to which older people are part of kinship networks and the role of the family in the care of older people. Finally we look at the wider social networks of older people and the perceptions of isolation and loneliness of the elderly.