Functional Support Associated with Belonging to the Red Hat Society[R], A Leisure-Based Social Network (Report‪)‬

Introduction We are linked to each other through a web of social ties that provide us with a sense of who we are, who we are to become and to whom we belong. These "ties" also influence how we are comforted and the meaning we find in life (Litwin, 1996). The metaphoric web that links these ties is referred to as a "social network." Social networks provide members with emotional (e.g., caring, affection, understanding) and instrumental (e.g., information, help with daily living tasks) support (Berkman, 1984; Curtis, Bucquet, & Colvez, 1992), both of which have important ramifications for individuals across the life cycle (Vaillant, Meyer, Mukumai, & Soldz, 1998).