SIBLING SUPPORT IN OLDER AGE

Data from a multi-stage quota sample which includes 528 respondents ag ed 55 and over with at least one living sibling are used to examine in strumental support (financial, help during illness, other) from siblin gs, the perception of siblings as a source of supper? if needed (in a crisis, long-term illness, coresidence), and the characteristics of re spondents and their sibling networks associated with receiving help an d perceiving help to be available. A minority of respondents have rece ived sibling supper?, and a majority perceive siblings to be available in a crisis. Those with two or more siblings are more likely to have received help and to perceive siblings as available than those with on e sibling. Significant differences by gender, marital status, parent s tat us, and geographic proximity are discussed with reference to model s of support, particularly the functional-specificity of relationships model.