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Abstract

Objective

To investigate whether the association between non-spousal support and mortality risk differs by marital status.

Methods

Using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 2460), we estimate a series of logistic regression models to assess how non-spousal support moderates the relationship between marital status and mortality across a 5-year period.

Results

Never married respondents who had minimal perceived access to non-spousal support had a greater probability of death compared to married respondents with similar levels of non-spousal support. The disparity in mortality risk between these two groups disappeared when non-spousal support was high.

Discussion

Although family and friends play an important role in mortality risk in later life, these findings suggest that never married older adults exhibit a heightened dependence on support from non-spousal sources. Future research and policies should explore ways in which never married older adults can be integrated into a supportive social environment.

Keywords

social support marital status mortality

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Non-Spousal Support,Marital Status,and Mortality Risk

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Discussion

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References

Supplementary Material