Friendship and Social Networks in a Continuing Care Retirement Community

This study presents qualitative and quantitative data describingfriendship and social interaction in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), and social ties to persons living elsewhere. Structured interviews, including an adapted version of Fischer's Social Network Index, were conducted with 50 residents (mean age = 80.9 years). On average, residents reported social networks of 8.2 members, comprising kin (2.46), nonkin residing in the CCRC (3.94), and nonkin residing elsewhere (1.76). The majority of residents (75%) relied primarily on others in the CCRC for regular social activity, and well elderly provided assistance and support to frail elderly. Family members were the preferred source of confidant relationships. Age was not related to the size of nonkin networks in the CCRC; however, older residents reported fewer social ties to nonkin living elsewhere. Living in a CCRC can therefore assist in maintaining social networks as one grows older.