This study focuses on the relational exclusion in very old age. Based on a five-year follow-up of an octogenarian cohort, the authors investigate the impact of three critical life events (deterioration of health, death of a close relative, entry into a nursing home) on relationships and social involvement. With advancing age, the elderly withdraw from some social activities, but their relationships with their family and friends remain stable. Life events has a stimulatory effect on the support network (especially of family). Of the three life events, only the deterioration of health curbs social activity.