The Effects of Family Composition, Health, and Social Support Linkages on Mortality

This study reveals how family living arrangements influence mortality. I use the National Health Interview Survey, Supplement on Aging, and discrete-time hazard rate models to show that some family arrangements result from strong social bonds, but others are a result of financial needs or health problems. In some instances, it is not family living arrangements that influence the risk of mortality but vice versa: The family rearranges itself to deal with ill health and disability among its members. The family strives to promote health, prevent disease, and encourage economic security. However, family members who endure economic or health hardships face increased risk of death.