To study the effects of occupational activity on age-related changes in fitness, 36 full time dairy farmers, aged 50–68years, were studied. Stature, weight, four skinfold thicknesses and hand grip strength were measured. Maximal oxygen consumption was estimated from the CAFT, a submaximal bench stepping test. Twenty-one of the subjects had been tested two years earlier as well. Approached cross-sectionally, the farmers show greater fat-free mass, higher grip strength values, and higher O2 max values than age-matched reference groups (STF and Nutrition Canada). Changes over two years in the sample subset include a marked decline in grip strength, anda decline in O2 which is consistent with that seen in other longitudinal studies. Hence, while initial fitness may be higher in this occupationally active group, the decline in function with age is comparable in magnitude to that seen in less active men.

This paper reports the findings of a qualitative examination of sibling relationships in old age. Interviews with sixty people over the age of sixty-five revealed that interactions with sisters and brothers took on new meaning in late life. A shared history of lifetime experiences made the sibling relationship unique in social networks in old age. Those who had positive relationships with siblings found that interactions decreased feelings of loneliness, provided emotional support and validation of earlier life experiences, and built feelings of closeness and sibling solidarity. Even those who had negative sibling relationships indicated a shift in feelings. The intensity of feeling about siblings in old age suggests that further study of the later-life sibling bond might increase understanding of ways in which the social and emotional needs of older people can be met. Interviews provided an effective method for gathering rich data about these complex social and emotional interactions.

Three Canadian research studies which used similar sampling strategies are examined. Data on their survey experiences are presented so as to assist those planning research to do so more efficiently. The response and completion rates of the three studies were quite similar, suggesting that some predictions might be made for similarly-designed future studies. The findings may give heart to those wondering whether their response and refusal rates are adequate or embarassing. Detailed reporting of survey research sampling experiences and adoption of a uniform terminology is called for.

This paper presents a novel conceptualization of emotional support in intergenerational families. In a stratified random sample of 458 adults in Hamilton, Ontario, over half the respondents said that there was currently, or had been in the past, a person in their family to whom other family members turned for emotional support and personal advice. In the paper, this person is referred to as the “comforter.” Many people also identified the person who provided emotional support prior to the present comforter. On the basis of the data, a “position” of family comforter is inferred. The paper investigates the social correlates of the position, the type of activities associated with being the family comforter, and the pattern of succession as different generations in the family move in and out of the position. The paper demonstrates the family provision of emotional support at the level of the extended family. It is shown that occupancy, activities and succession of the comforter position are patterned by gender. Further, the data suggest that people seek emotional support from a generational peer.