A longitudinal study of black-white differences in social resources

Objectives. This study examined the differences in levels of social networks and social engagement between older Blacks and Whites and racial differences in rates of change in social resources over time. Methods. The sample consisted of 5,102 Blacks and Whites, aged 65 and older, from the Chicago Health and Aging Project, who underwent up to three interviews during an average of 5.3 years of follow-up. Repeated measures of social networks were based on the number of children, relatives, and friends seen at least once a month. Social engagement was measured at each interview with four items related to social and productive activity. Random effects models were fitted to test the effect of race on social resources and change in resources over time. Results. Blacks had smaller social networks and lower levels of social engagement than Whites. Racial differences in these resources were stable during follow-up. Socioeconomic status reduced racial differences in social engagement but not social networks. Discussion. The findings provide evidence for lower levels of social resources among older Blacks. There was little evidence that racial differences were the result of greater decline during old age itself.