Generational Usage of Social Support

Las Vegas Nevada as the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States represents the perfect microcosm in which to look at the ways younger (30-45 years of age) and older adults (65 years of age and older) attempt to deal with different and similar life stressors such as illness companionship time constraints financial constraints mobility and distance from family members. Rather than feeling isolated due to geographic distance participants in this pilot study used a variety of means to stay in contact with key members of their social support network including computer-mediated communication. They also re­focused their time and energy to make these interactions more meaningful. The findings of this study into generational differences in the structure and usage of social support networks in a mobile society may be helpful to government and social service agencies in assessing the types of services offered in major metropolitan areas to assist families cope with aging relatives.