Kenzie Latham-Mintus1. 1. Department of Sociology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: 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.
OBJECTIVES: 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.