Exploring the pathway of a social network in promoting the individual performance of core members of social organizations caring for the elderly: A moderated mediation model of social support and self-efficacy.

BackgroundThe social network of core members can affect the performance of the organization, while there is a lack of research on the relationship between the social network of core members of social organizations and individual performance in the field of aged care services. This study aimed to explore the relationship between social network and individual performance of core members from social organizations engaged in aged care services and explore measures to promote the development of aged care services.MethodsWe used a multi-stage stratified sampling method to conduct a cross-sectional study and collected the required data in six cities in Anhui Province, China. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to estimate the relationship between social network and individual performance.ResultsOur results indicated that core members with higher social network scores were more likely to yield better individual performance, including receiving awards or recognitions related to aged care services (AOR=2.534; 95% CI: 1.397-4.596). Moreover, teams led by the core members were more likely to receive awards or recognitions related to aged care services (AOR=2.930; 95% CI: 1.740-4.933). The core members or the teams led by them were more likely to be reported by the media (AOR=1.748; 95% CI: 1.030-2.966) and participate in the drafting or discussion of local aged care service standards or service specifications (AOR=2.088; 95% CI: 1.093-3.911). In addition, demographic variables such as gender, marital status, and education of core members were significantly related to their performance (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe social network of core members of aged care service social organizations has an impact on their individual performance. To improve the performance of the core members of senior citizens services and organizations, relevant measures should be taken from the government, social organizations and core members to strengthen the social network construction of core members.

The Role of Social Network and Support in Mental Health Service Use: Findings From the Baltimore ECA Study

Physical capability, social support, loneliness, depression, and anxiety predict life satisfaction in older adults. Currently, no systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted to investigate the strength of these associations globally. Therefore, this study quantified the strength of these associations. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. We included observational studies assessing the association between physical capability, social support, loneliness, depression, and anxiety with life satisfaction in adults aged 65+. In total, 10,552 articles were identified, of which 78 studies in 164,478 participants were included in the systematic review and 57 were included in the meta-analysis. Greater life satisfaction was significantly associated with greater physical capabilities (odds ratio [OR] = 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01-3.45; p < .001, k = 35, n = 33,732), higher social support (OR = 3.27; 95% CI: 2.59-4.13, k = 20 studies, n = 13,228), reduced loneliness (OR = 3.30; 95% CI: 2.53-4.30, k = 11, n = 33,638), depression (OR = 4.76; 95% CI: 3.10-7.32, k = 24, n = 64,097), and anxiety (OR = 5.10; 95% CI: 2.21-11.78, k = 5, n = 43,368). The strength of associations did not vary between Western and Eastern countries, year of publication, or quality. Gender was a moderator: Loneliness was more strongly associated with life satisfaction in females. Age was also a moderator; the association between social support and life satisfaction weakened with increasing age. Improving the physical capabilities of older individuals, fostering social support, and alleviating feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety may help build life satisfaction in older individuals, which policy-makers and healthcare professionals should prioritize when implementing strategies.

Social support plays an important role in the satisfaction with life in older adults. The purpose of present research was to find the social support as predictor of life satisfaction in older adults. Main hypothesis of the study was social support (significant others, family and friends) would be positive predictor of life satisfaction in older adults. Two more sub-hypotheses were also formulated. Correlational cross sectional research design was used with convenient sampling technique. Total 100 participants were selected which consisted of 50 couples from both nuclear and joint family system. The Multidimensional Social Support Scale (Zimet et al., 1988) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985) were used. The results revealed social support including, significant others, friends and family, had positive relationship as well as positive predictor of life satisfaction in older adults. Moreover, older adults from joint family system were found to be more satisfied as compared to the older adults from nuclear family. Findings have significant implications in Pakistani culture for the purpose of counselling.

Previous research has reported an association between life satisfaction, self-esteem, and volunteering. However, it is unclear whether self-esteem is associated with life satisfaction in older adults who are already engaged in volunteering. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between life satisfaction and self-esteem in older adults who were formally volunteering at a non-governmental organization in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 186 formal volunteers aged ≥ 65 years who were recruited from the Keelung chapter of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan. A hierarchical stepwise linear regression was used to examine the association between scores on the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Hedonic and Eudaimonic Motives for Activities-Revised (HEMA-R) scale. The results showed that SWLS was significantly associated with RSES score (standardized beta (std. β) = 0.199, p = 0.003), the eudaimonic subscale score of the HEMA-R (std. β = 0.353, p < 0.001), a vegetarian diet (std. β = 0.143, p = 0.027), and volunteering for five days or more a week (std. β = 0.161, p = 0.011). In conclusion, improving self-esteem and promoting eudaimonic motives in older adults who are formally volunteering could be effective strategies for enhancing their levels of life satisfaction.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between core members' social capital and performance among HIV/AIDS-related community-based organizations (CBO). Methods: From July to December in 2015, a total of 327 core members from 212 HIV/AIDS-related CBO in 8 provinces were recruited based on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS (e.g., Yunnan, Hunan, and Sichuan are in high epidemic level; Anhui, Hubei, Shandong, and Jilin are in middle epidemic level; and Gansu is in low epidemic level) by multistage stratified cluster sampling and convenient sampling method. A questionnaire was administered in this study, including general demographic information, core members' social capital, individual performance and organizational performance. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between core members' social capital and performance among CBO. Results: Among the 327 individuals, the proportion of male was 201(61.47%). The proportion of core members from grassroots CBO was 66.97% (219/327). Core members from non-grassroots organizations were more likely to publish articles, the OR (95%CI) was 2.58 (1.30-5.14); Social network had a positive impact on the AIDS experts, the OR (95%CI) was 2.41(1.47-3.95); Core members from registered CBO were more likely to secure funding for the organization, the OR (95%CI) was 3.42 (1.65-7.10); Social network and the core members from high endemic areas were significantly correlated with the number of HIV/AIDS patients, the OR (95%CI) were 2.79 (1.27-6.14) and 1.99 (1.21-3.27). Conclusions: We should use the core members' social network to establish relationship and communication with organizations and institutions, ultimately accelerating the growth of HIV/AIDS prevention and care.

This study explores the relationship between the life satisfaction of older adults and the social support from grandchildren in Hong Kong. Two hundred and fifteen older people (from the ages of 64 to 101, mean age 79.3), whose youngest grandchild was aged 12 or older, were recruited from elderly service agencies to participate in the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by trained interviewers using a standardized questionnaire, which included the Life Satisfaction Scale for Chinese, the Lubben Social Network Scale, the Chinese Tradition Scale, grandchildren social support measures, self-rated health, self-rated financial adequacy, and demographic variables. Hierarchical regression showed that the life satisfaction of older adults benefitted significantly from the social support from grandchildren (R2 change = .05, Fchange = 7.15, p < .001); while controlling demographic characteristics, general social support, attitude towards Chinese tradition, self-rated health, and self-rated financial adequacy. The total explained variance was 51%. Emotional support and appraisal support from grandchildren were identified as significant contributing factors. The policy and practice implications for active aging policies are discussed in a Chinese context.

Purpose This study evaluated the effectiveness of a multiple-intervention program (MIP) on the life satisfaction, social support, and depressive tendencies of older adults. Design A cross-sectional, pretest-posttest design involving a questionnaire survey was adopted. Methods Thirty-seven older adults were recruited from 2 daycare centers for an 8-week MIP comprising 60-min sessions conducted once a week. The questionnaire comprised the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Short Form-15 (GDS-SF15), Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), and Inventory of Social Support Scale (ISSB). Findings The participants’ average GDS-SF15 score decreased considerably (by 35.3%), their average ISSB score increased from 61.9% to 80.9%, and their average LSS score increased from 48% to 64%. Conclusions The outcomes for depressive tendencies, social support, and life satisfaction were measured before and after the intervention, and the participants successfully engaged in the MIP throughout its duration and exhibited improvement. The MIP can serve as a basis for planning group activities for older adults. Clinical Evidence The MIP benefits older adults at daycare centers. Incorporating multiple activities into daily care can help increase the diversity, uniqueness, and innovativeness of a daycare center.

This study examines the relationships among oral health-related quality of life, social support, and life satisfaction in older adults living in the Maule Region of Chile. A total of 1,371 participants, both institutionalized and community-dwelling, took part in this observational cross-sectional study. Validated instruments were used, including the OHIP-7Sp, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling explored latent constructs and their interrelations. The model demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.89 for OHIP, 0.91 for MSPSS, and 0.87 for SWLS) and good overall fit. Direct positive effects were found from family and friend support to life satisfaction, while inverse relationships emerged between oral health-related quality of life and both social support and life satisfaction. Differential effects of family and friend support suggested culturally specific patterns of psychosocial support in older Chilean adults. Model robustness was confirmed through subgroup analyses by gender and life cycle stage. Ultimately, this study contributes to closing a critical gap in global gerontological research by foregrounding the interplay between oral health and psychosocial resources in a South American context, offering culturally grounded insights for regional and comparative aging studies.

Aging is a challenge to global development. This challenge is particularly significant for China because it has the largest elderly population worldwide. The proportion of aging population continues to increase, and solely relying on government efforts to meet the needs of the elderly is inadequate. Hence, involvement of social organizations in elderly care services is needed. Their core members exhibit higher sense of responsibility and identification with the organization than regular members, thus profoundly affecting organizational development. Based on the Social Capital Theory, this study employed a multistage stratified random sampling method to examine the social capital stock of elderly social organizations and their core members across six cities in Anhui Province, China. Chi-square tests analyzed the relationship between the core members' demographic factors and individual performance. Independent-sample t-tests assessed the relationship between social capital and individual performance. Finally, binary logistic regression models determined the factors influencing the individual performance of core members. Social networks within core members' social capital and the internal social capital of elderly caring social organizations (ESOs) affect the individual performance of core members. Therefore, organizations should provide more training opportunities for core members to expand their networks. Cultivating a shared language and vision as components of social capital can enhance organizational cohesion and operational stability.

IntroductionThe population of older adults is increasing as science progresses and health conditions improve. Social, psychological and behavioral factors will influence life satisfaction in older adults. We aimed to assess multiple factors associated with life satisfaction in older adults in Qom city, Iran.Material and methodsIt was a descriptive-analytical study which has conducted on 679 older adults through convenience sampling from Qom city, Iran during 2018. The data were collected using demographic characteristics, life satisfaction, well-being, cognitive status, social support, and daily activities of life questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 software and independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe mean older adult’s age was 70.43 ± 7.62 years. The mean life satisfaction score was 13.77 ± 3.73. The results showed a significant relationship of job and education with life satisfaction (p < 0.001). The results also showed that social support (p = 0.001) and daily activities (p = 0.017) significantly predict the level of life satisfaction, and the dimensions of health (p = 0.001) and cognitive status (p = 0.007) have a larger share in predicting the satisfaction of older adults’ life.ConclusionsWe found that some parts of life changes in older adults can be predicted with the help of social support, health status, cognitive status, and everyday life activities. Therefore, in order to increase the level of life satisfaction of older adults, it is suggested that promotion of social support, health status, and cognitive status be provided.

Together We Can Improve Outcomes in Kidney Failure: Examining Social Networks in Hemodialysis

Older adults’ family networks and social networks are important factors that influence life satisfaction, but their transmission mechanisms have not been adequately discussed. The objective of this study was to examine the mechanisms through which family networks and social networks influence the life satisfaction of older adults. We empirically examined the effects and mechanisms of older adults’ family networks and social networks on their life satisfaction using the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey with a sample size of 11,418 older adults aged 60 years and older. In the research sample, 6.47% of older adults were subjected to at least one form of mistreatment. The research results indicate that family networks (β = 0.0060, p < 0.05) and social networks (β = 0.0122, p < 0.01) have a significant positive effect on older adults’ life satisfaction. The mechanism-of-action test found that family networks and social networks enhance older adults’ life satisfaction, mainly by reducing the level of physical mistreatment they experience, but these networks cannot improve the life satisfaction of the elderly by reducing their emotional mistreatment. Further research found that community-provided medical escorts, home chores, and meal delivery services can all alleviate the decline in life satisfaction among older adults due to emotional mistreatment. This study deepens our understanding of how older adults’ family and social networks affect their life satisfaction as we examine the mediating role of the physical and emotional mistreatment of older adults and discuss the effects of potential policy interventions.

Association between multiple geriatric syndromes and life satisfaction in community-dwelling older adults: A nationwide study in Taiwan

In order to compare life satisfaction and mental health status of older adults in different living arrangements, we investigated a sample of 1, 915 Chinese older adults using Satisfaction with Life Scale and Mental Health Inventory for the Urban Elderly. Difference in life satisfaction between three living arrangements is significant even after controlling age, education and income. Life satisfaction of older adults living in elderly apartments is better than those living at home. Income and co-residence with children interact to influence life satisfaction. Among older adults with high income, older adults living alone or with spouse have the greater life satisfaction than those living with children; while among older adults with average and low income, living with or separate form children have no difference on life satisfaction. The result indicates that institutionalized older adults have equal mental health with those living at home and even greater life satisfaction.