Objectives. It has been considered a fact that informal social activities promote well-being in old age, irrespective of whether they are performed with friends or family members. Fundamental differences in the relationship quality between family members (obligatory) and friends (voluntary), however, suggest differential effects on well-being. Further, agerelated changes in networks suggest age-differential effects of social activities on well-being, as older adults cease emotionally detrimental relationships. Method. Longitudinal representative national survey study with middle-aged (n = 2,830) and older adults (n = 2,032). Age-differential effects of activities with family members and friends on changes in life satisfaction, positive affect (PA), and negative affect (NA) were examined in latent change score models. Results. In the middle-aged group, activities with friends and families increased PA and life satisfaction and were unrelated to NA. In the older age group, family activities increased both PA and NA and were unrelated to changes in life satisfaction, but activities with friends increased PA and life satisfaction and decreased NA. Discussion. Social activities differentially affect different facets of well-being. These associations change with age. In older adults, the effects of social activities with friends may become more important and may act as a buffer against negative effects of aging.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Social Relations, Older Adults, Latent Change Modelling
Research Division:	Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Research Group:	Psychology
Research Field:	Developmental Psychology and Ageing
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health)
Objective Field:	Health Related to Ageing
UTAS Author:	Schuz, B (Dr Benjamin Schuez)
ID Code:	84708
Year Published:	2014 (online first 2013)
Web of Science® Times Cited:	72
Deposited By:	Psychology
Deposited On:	2013-05-28
Last Modified:	2018-04-26
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