Older women and informal supports: Impact on prevention

This paper briefly reviews the literature about friendship as an informal support for older women, an at-risk population whose numbers are increasing. Data from an AOA supported study indicate that older women use their friends differentially depending both on the nature and qualities of the friendship as well as the type of help that is required. Friends are more likely to provide help with social-emotional tasks than instrumental ones. Programs should be designed that maximize interaction among older women and those who could serve as informal supports.