Singled in Later Life: Interaction Effects on Family Relations and Health

This study examines the interaction effects on health and family relations of singled and non-singled older adults. In this study, family relations comprised family criticism and family demands. Data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) survey were used (57-85 years of age (n=3005). This current study reflects a secondary analysis of the NSHAP data and hypothesized that life-long singled older adults’ health differentially influenced family relation such as family criticism and demands. This study, built on the Convoy Model to account for how singled older adults’ health, is differentially associated with their family criticism and demands. Interaction terms in regression models were examined to test if there were interacting associations between singled older adults\u27 health and family relation variables. Results revealed that life-long singled older adults’ health status was associated with their family relations. In comparison to non-singled older adults, life-long singled older adults had more frequent family criticisms and demands. Future research should examine more diverse variables that might explain the dynamic relationships between singled older adults’ health and their family relations