Jeannine Klein

Generational Usage of Social Support: an Examination of Familial Mobility in Las Vegas, Nevada Jeannine Klein

Las Vegas, Nevada, as the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States, representsthe perfect microcosm in which to look at the ways younger (30-45 years of age) and older adults (65 years of age and older) attempt to deal with different and similar life stressors such as illness, companionship, time constraints, financial constraints, mobility, and distance from family members. Rather than feeling isolated due to geographic distance, participants in this pilot study used a variety of means to stay in contact with key members of their social support network, including computer-mediated communication. They also refocused their time and energy to make theseinteractions more meaningful. The findings of this study into generational differences in the structure and usage of social support networks in a mobile society may be helpful to government and socialservice agencies in assessing the types of services offered in major metropolitan areas to assist families cope with aging relatives.