Social Networks and Mental Health among the Old-Old Living in Metropolitan Areas

Abstract

This study examined the effects of social networks on mental health among the old-old living in metropolitan areas. Data were obtained from a survey of 618 community dwellers aged 75 and over living in the Sumida ward in Tokyo. Mental health was measured by distress (Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form; GDS-SF) and life satisfaction.The findings are as follows : 1. Having a spouse was associated with lower levels of distress and higher levels of life satisfaction for men, but not for women.2. Presence of children was associated with lower levels of distress and higher levels of life satisfaction for women, but not for men.3. Greater numbers of local friends increased life satisfaction for men, and greater numbers of middle-distance or distant kin decreased distress and increased life satisfaction for women. The results suggested that embeddedness in traditional local kin networks was not necessarily associated with better mental health.4. Greater level of participation in local community groups decreased distress and increased life satisfaction for women. The results suggested that local community groups were effective resources to adjust to stressful situations in old-old age.