Social network and the elderly: conceptual and clinical issues, and a family consultation

Abstract

After a general Introduction to the construct "social networks," this article discusses the progressive transformation of the personal social network--family, friends and acquaintances, work and leisure relationships, et cetera--as individuals reach an advanced age. This is followed by a summary and discussion (from a social-constructionist perspective) of a clinical consultation, with an emphasis on the reciprocal influence between individual and social network.