Social support networks of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults 60 years of age and older

The social support networks of 416 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults aged 6 0 to 91 years were examined. Participants averaged 6 people in their suppor t networks, most of whom were close friends. The gender composition of supp ort networks was greatly influenced by the gender of the respondent. Most s upport network members knew about respondents' sexual orientation. The most common type of support provided by close friends and social acqaintances w as socializing support, and the most common support provided by partners, s iblings, and other relatives was emotional support. The sexual orientation, gender, and age of network members did not influence respondents' satisfac tion with the support received. participants sere more satisfied with suppo rt From those who knew or their sexual orientation. The more satisfied resp ondents felt with the support they received, the less lonely they felt. Tho se living with domestic partners were less lonely and rated their physical and mental health more positively than those who lived alone.