Contact between Siblings in Later Life

Data from 400 older persons are used to examine sibling contact. The gender, marital, and parent status of the respondent and each of his or her siblings are used to create variables that describe the characteristics of 783 sibling dyads. The effect of these variables and geographic proximity on frequency of contact by mail, phone, and in person; the frequency of discussing important matters; and whether contact levels are as desired, is tested. Sisters, previously married siblings, and pairs with one or two single or childless members, are in greatest contact. For these groups, the sibling tie is a particularly viable source of emotional and instrumental support.