B - 44 Social Capital and Aging across Cultures: Examining the Mediating Effects on the Cognitive Functioning-Functional Ability Relationship in Baltimore and Mumbai.

Abstract

Examine social capital (social support, social network) as a mediator of the cognitive functioning and functional ability relationship in older adult populations. Examine this relationship cross-culturally, with culture as a moderator of the mediation model. 75 community dwelling participants recruited across India and the United States. Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Functional ability was evaluated using the Duke OARS Multidimensional Functional Abilities Questionnaire and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS). Social network and social support were evaluated using the Lubben Social Network Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Process Macro (Hayes & Rockwood, 2017) was used to examine the mediation and moderated mediation models. The internal consistency of the MoCA and OARS were below acceptable ranges in the Indian sample. Indian participants reported more social support than U.S participants, however, there were no differences in social network. Social support predicted functional ability as measured by the WHODAS, F(1, 63) = 4.34, p = 0.04, but not the OARS. Social network predicted functional ability as measured by both the WHODAS, F(1, 57) = 8.33, p = 0.006, and the OARS, F(1, 62) = 4.98, p = 0.03. Results suggested that social capital was not a significant mediator of the relationship, and that culture was not a significant moderator. Limitations due to small sample size indicate need for further exploration of the potential benefits of social capital on cognitive and functional ability across cultures. Important to consider appropriateness of measures when working with non-normative groups.