Qualities of older women's friendships: stable or volatile?

The purpose of this study was to identify changes and stability in the qualities older women attribute to their close friendships. Seventy-four older women responded to eleven structured statements describing qualities of their relationships with ninety-one close friends. Change was found for seven of the eleven qualities examined. Differences in the women's responses were observed according to which close friend they were discussing and changes in the women's marital, work, and health status. The findings provide insight into the character of women's close friendships in later life.