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Addresses aspects of the Canadian kinship systems, broadly defined, upon which informal support networks are based. This document brings to light patterns of linkage with potential supporters that have never before been the subject of a national study. It identifies a network comprised of relatives and close friends as a potential support group, and shows how the pattern of family and friendship ties which one can expect to have varies systematically over one's life course. It also deals with help received by seniors in selected aspects of daily living such as mobility, self-care, shelter maintenance, meal preparation, and money management.