Integrated or Isolated? Social Networks and Health Among Older Never-Married Adults

According to U.S. Census data, the number of older (age 50+) never legally married adults (ONMA) has quadrupled from 1960 to 2022, now comprising about 10% of the U.S. older population—a figure expected to increase across future cohorts. ONMA face unique health, caregiving, and financial challenges, with the highest mortality risk among older U.S. adults across marital categories. Despite this, their health remains understudied. Two conceptual models (risk vs. resilience) generate competing predictions with social networks central to the discussion. Analyzing data from two sources (National Social Life, Health and Aging Project and National Health and Aging Trends Study), we explore the associations between social networks and health among ONMA.