In addition, the nature and functioning of social support changes across the life course (Ertel et al., 2009). Although different age groups do not have unique desires for social support, research documents that the role of social support from family and friends varies over the life span (Segrin, 2003). For example, younger adults have larger support network and greater perception of support from friends (Levitt et al., 1993; Vaux, 1985) while older adults have greater perception of support from emotionally close family relationships (Antonucci et al., 2004; Levitt et al., 1993). Since health benefits of social support, including lower levels of drinking, depend on receivers’ preferences (Cohen & Wills, 1985), evidence indeed suggests that support from friends may benefit younger adults more and support from family may benefit older adults more (Walen & Lachman, 2000).
