Also, sibling network variables were correlated with measures of subject well-being. Significant loss of siblings occurred over 12 years. After controlling for proximity, frequency of contact between siblings did not change. Although sisters predominated in sibling networks, proximate brothers were slightly more prevalent and had more frequent contact with the respondents. Associations between sibling variables and subjective well-being were not found.
Siblings remain active in the kin networks of women into late old age.
The purpose of this study was to examine specific interactions between older women and multiple members of their close friend network. The women reported substantial social and emotional involvement with their close friends. For women with multiple close friends, the topics of these conversations differed depending on which friends the women described. Perceptions of equality and inequality in their relationships influenced the way in which the women described their friends and the feelings they expressed about their friendships. This paper focuses on the interactive nature of the relationship between personal and public constructions of lesbianism in the lives of older women.