Research since the 1970s has documented a positive relationship between soc
ial ties (despite large variations in measures) and health. Studies of the
elderly have also indicated that the effect may vary according to source of
contact. Using nationally representative Swedish data for the age group 77
to 98 (N=537), this study examines differences in the effect of social con
tact on health outcomes, controlling for source of social contact. It also
addresses the issue that causality may possibly be reversed. The results in
dicate that social contacts with friends are related to well-being and that
consequently fewer contacts lead to less well-being. This relationship is
valid, independent of earlier health status. The results indicate that it i
s essential that studies of the relationship between social contact and hea
lth not only distinguish between different sources of social contact but al
so address a range of health problems.