Abstract
This study examined the meaning and maintenance of friend relationships in later life. The sample consisted of forty-one males and seventy-four females, sixty years of age or older. Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions regarding their past and present relationships with their friends. While older men and women tended to agree on the characteristics of a friend, gender differences emerged when they were asked to differentiate between a "friend" and a "close friend." Older women were more likely to consider friends made earlier in their lives as still part of their friend network than were older men. Perceptions of current involvement with friends also differed depending upon the gender of the respondent. Discussion centered on the definition of friends in later life and gender differences found in maintenance patterns.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The International Journal of Aging and Human Development
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
