The Effects of Siblings on the Life Satisfaction of the Rural Elderly

Although previous studies suggest that siblings are an important source of social and emotional support in old age, no link has been established between more frequent sibling interaction and higher morale or life satisfaction among the elderly. Employing data from a sample of 231 rural elderly, this study tests the hypothesis that geographic proximity of same-sex siblings exerts a positive influence on life satisfaction. Regression analysis revealed that the importance of a sister's availability was second only to physical mobility in predicting higher life satisfaction among older rural women. Among men, availability of a brother also was positively associated with life satisfaction, but the effect was negligible. The effects of cross-sex siblings and sibling interaction on the life satisfaction of older men and women were relatively minor. The results indicate a need forfurther study to explore the meaning of sibling relations in old age, especially the bonds between sisters.