Review of findings on support networks of older Europeans

This paper reviews findings on the support networks of older Europeans, compares methodological approaches to the study of support networks and draws together information on their contacts with family, friends and neighbours; sources of help and support; variations in network structure; and network dynamics. The paper is based on review of the literature and unpublished work with which the author is familiar. It emphasises: recent network research; approaches which look at networks as entities; and longitudinal work which draws attention to process. The aim of the paper is to give an overview of findings, to identify national similarities and differences and to suggest new directions of investigation.