This paper reviews findings on the support networks of older Europeans,compares methodological approaches to the study of support networks anddraws together information on their contacts with family, friends andneighbours; sources of help and support; variations in network structure;and network dynamics. The paper is based on review of the literatureand unpublished work with which the author is familiar. It emphasises:recent network research; approaches which look at networks as entities; andlongitudinal work which draws attention to process. The aim of the paperis to give an overview of findings, to identify national similarities anddifferences and to suggest new directions of investigation.