Chapter 24 - Aging and Social Intervention: Life Course Perspectives

Abstract

Observational studies of aging indicate that there are a number of social conditions that impact health outcomes in older men and women from functioning to morbidity to mortality. Socioeconomic conditions, social isolation and exclusion, and lack of social participation and engagement all are linked in numerous longitudinal studies to poorer health, worse physical and cognitive functioning, and higher mortality risk. The contrasts between findings from observational studies and randomized clinical trials are growing and discrepancies in findings are observed for a number of recent intervention. Observational studies rarely help to identify the etiologic period clearly enough to know when to intervene. This chapter argues that there are multiple ways of interpreting the differences one finds between observational studies and experimental ones. It focuses on contrasting the findings between observational and intervention studies related to social networks and social support as an example of what one might learn with the adoption of life course approaches to improving the health of middle-aged and older adults. Various aspects of social contacts are considered in health research, including both structural features of social networks and the content or substance of relationships. The notion of intervening in complex social relationships and structures is inherently difficult and complicated.