SOCIAL-CLASS DIFFERENCES IN SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG OLDER ADULTS

The purpose of this study is to test for social class differences in s ocial support among older adults. Data on a comprehensive range of soc ial support measures provided by a nationwide sample of elderly people suggests that social class differences emerge when measures of contac t with friends, support provided to others, and satisfaction with supp ort are examined. However, significant differences fail to emerge with indicators of contact with family, support received from others, and negative interaction.