Strength of social ties and perceived tangible support: distinct characteristics and gender differences of older adults’ social circles

Social connections have been found to promote wellbeing among older adults. Studies note gender differences in older adults’ social network characteristics and aspects of social support. The present study examined gender differences in the association of social network characteristics (number of strong social ties) and perceived tangible support among a sample of elders (n = 278). Older men reported higher levels of perceived tangible support, while older women had more strong social ties. The number of strong social ties was associated with older women’s, but not men’s, increased sense of tangible support. Implications for cultivating elders’ wellbeing respective of gender particularities are discussed.