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Journal of Aging and Health
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Family Ties, Physical Health, and Psychological Well-Being

Andrea Kay Ryan, MS

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Fern K. Willits, PhD

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, fkw{at}psu.edu

Objectives: This study assesses the impact of number and quality of family ties on the health and well-being of elderly people. Method: Measures of the quantity and quality of family ties, adjusting for gender, education, and income, were correlated with the self-rating of health and well-being of a sample of 534 married parents between 68 and 73 years of age. Results: The quality of an individual's relationships with spouse, children, and other family members was associated with personal feelings of well-being, but the quantity of such associations had little impact on either physical or psychological health. Discussion: Researchers and those working with elderly people should not assume that the presence of family members necessarily implies that social support affecting physical health and well-being will be forthcoming.

Key Words: health • intergenerational relationships • adult siblings • social support • geographic proximity • relationship quality

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Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 19, No. 6, 907-920 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0898264307308340
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This Article
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*Family Issues
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