Abstract
Continuity theory provides a rationalization for understanding older adult friendships. Older adults do not have to anticipate disengagement but can exercise their choice to actively participate in establishing and maintaining friendship structures. The role of friend is one a person can choose to maintain. Friendships are dynamic and progress on a continuum with beginnings, periods of endurance and change, and endings. Continuity theory provides ways to understand why particular people have developed and adapted distinct friendship and social support networks. This insight provides social service professionals, gerontologists, and family members ways to enable older adults to remain in their communities longer and maintain support stability.
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Finchum, T., Weber, J.A. Applying Continuity Theory to Older Adult Friendships. Journal of Aging and Identity 5, 159–168 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009513304519
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009513304519