Attachment relationships in old age

There is still relatively little known about attachment relationships late in life. This study investigated changes in number and identities of attachment figures in older adults’ support networks. Participants were 80 married and widowed men and women aged 60—99 (M = 77.8). Each identified attachment figures for proximity seeking, secure base, and safe haven functions, ranked in importance; the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991) assessed attachment styles. Elders had smaller attachment networks than reported for younger adults; women and the married had larger networks (p < .05). The nature and identities of attachment figures changed from those of earlier adult life to adult children, deceased loved ones, and God. Elders had fewer full-blown attachments but a greater variety of attachment figures. The widowed had a greater proportion of dismissive attachment styles. The results suggest that attachment figures are needed for maximum adaptation in old age.