THE SPECIAL ROLE OF FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

The role of friends and neighbors in old age have received less emphasis than those of family relationships. This article draws attention to their special importance in the lives of elderly people 75 and older living in a community in rural Wales. The author draws attention to the differences and similarities between the two categories: friendship based on choice and shared interest being primarily an expressive relationship; while neighboring is based on proximity and is primarily an instrumental relationship. Both friends and neighbors are shown to provide important, overlapping types of support and assistance which contribute to continuing well-being and independence in old age. © 1990.