Discriminators of Mutual Helping Behavior Among Older Adults and Their Siblings1

Abstract

The extended family is a potentially important source of assistance to older adults. The purpose of this study was to observe the amount and type of mutual help between older adults and their siblings and to determine whether older subjects could be grouped into either high or low levels of helping based upon one or more of five variables. Data were collected on the mutual helping patterns between 275 adults 65 years of age or older and their siblings of most contact. The results of a discriminant analysis showed that the respondents could be classified according to level of mutual helping behavior. Three classifying variables separated older adults and their siblings according to high or low levels of helping and explained 25% of the variance in helping behavior. Respondents with highest mutual help exchange engaged in more activities with siblings, were married, and had educational levels similar to those of their siblings. Types of help most frequently given and received were help when ill and transportation. Results from the study suggest that siblings in later life, while of limited functional importance in the helping network of older adults, provide essential help when needed.