ABSTRACT
T h e social context w i th in w h i c h ind iv idua l aging takes place may be described as a social network of contacts encompassing several generations of kinsfolk, friends, and acquaintances. Th i s social network consists of the household, the immediate and the extended family of the older person, as wel l as any other i n d i v i d u a l or group wi th w h i c h the older person ma in - tains contact. Th i s network can be smaller as we l l as larger than the family structure described i n the previous chapter. F o r the extremely isolated ind iv idua l the social network has shrunk. N o r m a l l y , however, the social network w i l l consist of members of the household of w h i c h the older person is part-some or a l l of his adult chi ldren, grandchi ldren, and friends, acquaintances, and individuals such as neighbors, shopkeepers, the postman, or the district nurse.
