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The social connectedness of older Europeans: patterns, dynamics and contexts

European University Institute, Florence, Italy, martin.kohli{at}eui.eu

Karsten Hank

MEA - University of Mannheim, Germany

Harald Künemund

University of Vechta, Germany

Using longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), our article shows that the population aged 50 or older is socially connected in several ways. The various dimensions of social connectedness turn out to be complementary rather than substitutive, except for the relationship between informal social relations and family relations, which tends to be characterized by substitution. Our longitudinal analysis reveals that the dynamics of formal and informal social relations as well as family relations tend to be driven by individuals’ resources and needs. While the associations between elders’ social connectedness and individual characteristics are very similar across countries, we find significant regional variation regarding the levels and the dynamics of social connectedness.

Key Words: SHARE • social integration • social networks • ageing • social participation

Journal of European Social Policy, Vol. 19, No. 4, 327-340 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1350506809341514


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