Social ties and health among the very old in Sweden

Research since the 1970s has documented a positive relationship between social ties (despite large variations in measures) and health. Studies of the elderly have also indicated that the effect may vary according to source of contact. Using nationally representative Swedish data for the age group 77 to 98 (N=537), this study examines differences in the effect of social contact on health outcomes, controlling for source of social contact. It also addresses the issue that causality may possibly be reversed. The results indicate that social contacts with friends are related to well-being and that consequently fewer contacts lead to less well-being. This relationship is valid, independent of earlier health status. The results indicate that it is essential that studies of the relationship between social contact and health not only distinguish between different sources of social contact but also address a range of health problems.