"I can't explain it": An examination of social convoys and after death communication narratives.

The hierarchical mapping technique is utilized to study individuals' social convoys (i.e., networks). Though convoys typically exclude deceased persons, the continuing bonds model argues that relationships between surviving and deceased persons can be sustained. After Death Communication (ADC), an experience where the deceased contacts surviving persons, facilitates continuing bonds. This study examines how ADC influences reports of convoys and continuing bonds. Using Labov's narrative framework, ADC narratives from 10 bereaved individuals were analyzed for content and structure. Most participants apologized, indicating their ADC experience was inexplicable. Consequently, reports of convoys and continuing bonds may be influenced by concerns of perception.

Exploring cause of death as a factor in social convoy membership: the case of Pauline.

Research integrating social convoy and continuing bonds frameworks suggests that deceased individuals can be included in convoys as connections may carry on after death. Building on this, we present a qualitative case study that explores whether such relationships are influenced by the way people die. Pauline, 67, compares the "natural" deaths of relatives to her husband's suicide. Analysis of Pauline's interview revealed that the unexplained death of her husband impacted her identity and contributed to his continued existence within her convoy. Consequently, the cause of death may be an important consideration for researchers integrating the social convoy and continuing bonds frameworks.

Local Initiatives to Fund Services for Older Americans: Community Recognition of the Importance of Social Care.

Despite the growing proportion of older adults in the United States, federal and state funding for nonmedical supportive services remains limited. To meet increasing demand, some communities across the nation are exploring alternative funding sources for aging services. Although no systematic database exists to track such local programs, through an array of data sources including a national survey, telephone contacts, and a web review, we identified 15 states that are using local funding to support aging services. Communities are using a variety of local revenue streams, such as property tax levies, payroll, and sales taxes to provide services for older adults and/or their family or friend caregivers. There are considerable differences in community approaches including the following: amount of revenue generated, service eligibility criterion, type of services covered, and management infrastructure. Critical policy questions surrounding equity issues within and across states are raised as communities create these alternative funding mechanisms.

"They're in My Heart, Mind, and Cells": What Continuing Bonds Reveal About Social Networks.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research suggests that robust social networks have positive effects on peoples' well-being. An instrumental methodology for studying networks is the social convoy model, a diagram of concentric circles that illustrate network size, structure, and satisfaction. Convoys have been described as dynamic. Specifically, as people age, their convoys become stronger and smaller due to focusing on what matters most and accumulating losses. Therefore, convoys only include meaningful, living persons. The continuing bonds model posits that it is normal for people to maintain connections with the deceased. The objective of the current study was to integrate the social convoy and continuing bonds models in order to examine the presence of deceased loved ones in convoys. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighteen individuals (M = 66 years), recruited via fliers and snowball sampling, participated in one semistructured interview regarding the death of a loved one and their convoy. Participants also completed a convoy model, identifying where the deceased fit (if anywhere) when they were alive and at present. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: communication (i.e., writing or speaking to the deceased), continuity (i.e., a continuing relationship), and reciprocity (i.e., perceived exchange of support(s)). Eighty-nine percent of participants felt their loved one's death did not change their convoy presence and 88% reported that their positioning in the convoy remained unchanged. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This research offers a new way to think about convoys and may prompt the development of supportive interventions for bereaved individuals.