Followed 133 elderly residents of mid-Manhattan hotels for 1 year using 19 network variables. Findings confirmed the direct and buffering effects of social networks. Of clinical relevance was the non-linearity of the network effect: Depending on a person's stress level, different network dimensions must be emphasized and strengthened. (Author/NRB)

Studied 155 elderly residents of inner-city single-room occupancy hotels. At 3-year follow-up, 28 had died. Ten of 19 network variables were relatively strong discriminators between survivors and non-survivors. Network variables cut across all categories of social interaction. (Author/KS)

Examined how 281 homeless men aged 50 and older living on skid row were able to procure basic necessities such as money, food, shelter, and health care. Found men had and used informal supports to survive. Inability to fulfill needs was primarily associated with physical health, depression, lack of contacts with institutions and agencies, and…

In a longitudinal study of the network characteristics that assist elderly individuals to meet their needs, as well as the effects of change in four categories of social network dimensions (social interaction, network structure, member attribute, environmental attribute), 133 elderly residents of 18 midtown Manhattan single room occupancy (SRO)…