Social Network Size Research Articles

A Graph Sampling-Based Model for Influence Maximization in Large-Scale Social Networks

Social networks have attracted a great deal of attention and have, in fact, changed the way we produce, consume, and diffuse information. This change gave rise to the notion of social influence and today we talk about influential nodes. The process of detecting influential nodes in social networks aims to find entities that propagate information to a large portion of the network users. This process is often known as the influence maximization (IM) problem. Due to the explosive growth of social networks’ data, their structure is more complex and we talk about “big graph data.” Moreover, modern networks are dynamic and their topology or/and information is likely to change over time. Detecting influential nodes in such networks is a challenging task. Several methods have been developed in this context. However, they concentrate on static networks and there is little work on large-scale social networks. We propose in this article a new model for IM called MapReduce-based dynamic selection of influential nodes (MR-DSINs) that has the ability to cope with the huge size of real social networks. In fact, our approach is based on a graph sampling step in order to reduce the network’s size. Given that reduced version, MR-DSIN is able to select dynamically influential nodes. Our proposal has the advantage of considering the dynamics of information that can be modeled by users’ social actions (e.g.“, share”, “comment”, “retweet”). Experimental results on real-world social networks and computer-generated artificial graphs demonstrate that MR-DSIN is efficient for identifying influential nodes, compared with three known proposals. We prove that our model is able to detect in the reduced graph an influence as important as in the original one.

Comparative Analysis of Social Networks in Institutionalized Older Adults versus Aging-in-Place Scenarios.

(1) Background: This research aims to compare social networks among institutionalized and aging-in-place (AIP) older adults through the validation of a new questionnaire. (2) Methods: The cross-sectional study included 100 older adults (mean age: 73.53 ± 5.49 years; age range: 65-85 years), with 48 institutionalized subjects and 52 AIP subjects. We developed, validated, and administered a new questionnaire, the Social Network Assessment for Older People Questionnaire (SNAOPQ), to assess older adults' social networks using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. (3) Results: The SNAOPQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.91 and McDonald's omega of 0.91). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between variables, highlighting differences in social networks between institutionalized and AIP individuals (p ≤ 0.001). Sociodemographic factors like age, education, living arrangement status, and number of descendants significantly influenced SNAOPQ scores (p ≤ 0.001). Age and residence type notably impacted participants' scores, indicating reduced social network size with age. Tertiary education and living in a couple were associated with more extensive social networks, while a higher number of descendants correlated with social network expansion. (4) Conclusions: Our study highlights significant differences in social networks among older adults based on residence type, emphasizing the impact of sociodemographic factors such as age, education, living arrangement, and the number of descendants.

Falls among community-dwelling older adults in the Philippines and Viet Nam: Results from nationally representative samples

Falls are a significant public health issue globally. However, studies with nationally representative samples have yet to be done to understand falls among older adults in the Philippines and Viet Nam. Using a biopsychosocial perspective, this study investigated the prevalence of falls and their associated factors among community-dwelling older adults in these countries. Cross-sectional data were drawn from the baseline survey of the Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Health in the Philippines (2018, N = 4,606) and the Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Health in Viet Nam (2018, N = 4,378). The outcome variables were any falls in the past year. Independent variables included sociodemographic factors (age, sex, education, living in urban areas, living alone, social network size), biophysical factors (vision, chronic conditions, functional impairments, pain locations, insomnia symptoms, sleep medications, grip strength, walking speed, postural control), and psychological factors (depressive symptoms). Descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that 17.7 % and 7.3 % of older Filipino and Vietnamese adults fell in the year before the study. Significant factors associated with the odds of any falls among Filipino older adults were having a higher level of education, living in urban areas, living with others, experiencing more functional impairments, reporting one or more pain locations, and having poor grip strength. In Viet Nam, having more chronic conditions, experiencing more functional impairments, and reporting two or more pain locations were found to be associated with higher odds of any falls. The population in the Philippines and Viet Nam is aging rapidly. Findings from this study are timely in identifying at-risk individuals and preparing for effective fall prevention strategies.

Factors associated with perceived social isolation among veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders: Cross sectional survey

Context/Objective Examine demographics, injury characteristics, objective measures of social isolation and health factors that are associated with perceived social isolation (PSI) among Veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D). Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting The Veterans Health Administrations (VHA) SCI/D system of care. Participants Veterans with SCI/D who have used the VHA health care system. Intervention Not applicable. Outcomes Measures We assessed unadjusted associations of high PSI (above population mean) vs low (normative/below population mean), and multivariable logistic regression for independent associations with PSI. Results Out of 1942 Veterans with SCI/D, 421 completed the survey (22% response rate). Over half (56%) had PSI mean scores higher than the general population. Among the objective measures, having a smaller social network size was associated with increased odds of high PSI (OR 3.59, P < .0001); additionally, for health factors, having depression (OR 3.98, P < 0.0001), anxiety (OR 2.29, P = 0.009), and post-traumatic stress (OR 2.56, P = 0.003) in the previous 6 months, and having 4 or more chronically occurring secondary conditions (OR 1.78, P = 0.045) was associated with increased odds of high PSI. The most commonly identified contributors to feelings of PSI included mobility concerns (63%), having a SCI/D (61%), and concerns about being a burden on others (57%). Conclusions Factors such as social network size may be used to identify individuals with SCI/D at risk for PSI. Additionally, by identifying mental health problems, presence of multiple chronically occurring secondary conditions, and Veteran-identified contributors of PSI, we can target these factors in a patient-centered interventions to identify and reduce PSI.

How loneliness increased among different age groups during COVID-19: a longitudinal analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic entailed restrictions that hampered face-to-face interactions and social gatherings. In this paper, we examine whether loneliness increased to different extents among age groups due to these restrictions, and if these differences were mediated by specific life course conditions. Based on longitudinal data from the Swiss Household Panel, our results show that loneliness increased disproportionately among younger individuals during the pandemic. This finding aligns with the social convoy model and the socioemotional selectivity theory, which postulate a decline of social network size over the life course. It also corresponds to findings indicating a decrease in contact frequency with increasing age. Individuals aged 30 years and above experienced a lower increase in loneliness when they lived in shared households; however, this protective effect was not observed for younger individuals. Living together with a partner, being male, and not anticipating health complications in case of a COVID-19 infection moderated the increases of loneliness, but they were independent of age.

Friend Social Network Size Moderates the Association Between Age and Physical Activity Across Adulthood

Friend Social Network Size Moderates the Association Between Age and Physical Activity Across Adulthood

Collective loneliness: The impact of the social network on loneliness and depression during the coronavirus pandemic in older Europeans.

We examined the impact of the social network before the coronavirus pandemic on loneliness and depressed mood during the pandemic in older European individuals, and how these relationships differ between different European countries. Data of N=19,999 persons (age: M=69.18years; 51% female) from the pan-European longitudinal survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe, interviewed between October 2019 and March 2020 (Wave 8) and between June and August 2020 (Corona Questionnaire 1), were used. To test the models we employed path analyses, controlling for age, gender, education, and occupational status. Models were also run separately in collectivistic (Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece) and individualistic (Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and France) country groups. A larger social network before the pandemic reduced the probability of an increase in loneliness and depression. The negative association between social network size and increase in loneliness was stronger in collectivist countries than in individualist ones. Moreover, an increase in loneliness increased the probability of feeling depressed. It appears that pre-pandemic social networks served as a buffer to negative mental health consequences of the pandemic in older Europeans. In fact, this association was stronger in collectivist than for individualist countries. While this underscores the importance of social connectedness, it also stresses the vulnerability of socially isolated individuals regarding loneliness and depression. Future work should thus focus on supporting social networks in older adults.

Social network size moderates the association between loneliness and cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress

Loneliness and objective measures of social isolation (e.g., social network size) have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the evidence is mixed and the precise causal mechanisms remain unclear. Cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to acute stress has been posited as a proposed mechanism. This study aimed to investigate: (i) effects of loneliness and social isolation on CVR to stress and, (ii) whether the loneliness – CVR relationship was moderated by social network size. Two hundred and six participants from the Pittsburgh Cold Study underwent a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Task. Cardiovascular measures of systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were taken throughout the laboratory stress trial. Hierarchical regression analyses found that social network size was positively associated with DBP reactivity (β = 0.19 95 % CI [0.05, 0.29] p = 0.005), while loneliness was not. In addition, social network size moderated the loneliness - DBP reactivity relationship such that a higher number of outer social network ties were beneficial at lower levels of loneliness but not higher. The current study contributes new evidence linking loneliness and social network size to cardiovascular psychophysiology but raises questions about the loneliness - CVD relationship. The findings confirm the importance of social network size and highlight that the characteristics of the networks may be more important than the number of networks.

Factors influencing students’ academic performance in universities: Mediated by knowledge sharing behavior

Recently, using Social Network Sites has been rising noticeably, especially among young people (18 years-34 years) who compose more than 50% of Facebook users. Accordingly, university students may find Facebook familiar and easier to share knowledge. This study attempts to investigate the impact of knowledge sharing using Facebook on student performance. This study examines the effect of Technology Self-Efficacy (TS), Information Self-efficacy (IS), Social Expectations (SE), Enjoyment (EN), Size of Social Network (SN), Personal Trust (PT), and Reciprocity (REC) as main factors on students’ academic performance as mediated by knowledge sharing behavior on Facebook in Jordanian University. Accordingly, a Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) using AMOS 22 was applied to test the model and posited hypotheses. A questionnaire-based survey was designed to collect the data based on a dataset of 450 university students from various five Jordanian universities. The results indicated that TS, IS, SE, EN, SN, PT, and REC positively and significantly affect students’ academic performance. Additionally, knowledge sharing on Facebook significantly as well as positively mediated the relationship between the proposed factors and students’ academic performance. This is one of the few studies which investigate the interrelationships among the examined factors, and the first to test the model on university students in Jordan. Practically, policymakers can depend on the results to create or modify the current learning environment by introducing the usage of social networks to help in increasing academic performance. Lastly, future research could study some other social network platforms looking at gender, educational level, or region.

AGE DIFFERENCES IN SOCIAL NETWORK PREFERENCES: IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION MAKING

Abstract Many consequential decisions are made in the context of a social network, but it is not clear how lifespan developmental changes may influence the way people integrate others into their decision-making processes. Research shows that, compared to younger adults, older adults perform less exhaustive pre-decisional information searches, have smaller and more close-knit social networks, and place more value on harmonious relationships (e.g., Hess et al., 2015). Drawing on these findings, a pre-registered survey study examined age differences in the size, composition, and utilization of decision-related social networks as well as subjective goals and perceptions regarding joint decisions. An adult lifespan sample (N = 432; M age = 50.9375; SD age = 19.53267, range age = 18-96 years) considered hypothetical decisions involving specific (apartment, car, physician, and insurance plan) and generic (important vs. minor) scenarios. As predicted, linear regressions revealed that compared to younger respondents, older respondents reported that they would consult fewer people fewer times, and they were less likely to recruit distant social partners or professionals (ps&amp;lt;.05). Contrary to predictions, the tendency to prioritize relationship harmony over decision quality was negatively associated with age (p&amp;lt;.05). Further, there was no significant relationship between age and the perceived helpfulness of involving others. Findings remained robust when controlling for scenario type and demographic characteristics (gender, education level, race, income). This indicates that the size, composition, and utilization of decision-related social networks differs by age. Further research is needed to examine potential implications for decision quality and satisfaction.

ASSESSING BIDIRECTIONAL LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SOCIAL RESOURCES AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN LATE LIFE

Abstract Objectives To better understand bidirectional longitudinal relationships between social networks and cognitive decline. Method: We examined nine waves of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011-2019). Our primary outcome was global cognition, consisting of a summation of scores on episodic memory, orientation, and executive function tests. Social network measures included measures of social participation, number and type of social ties, attributes of network alter, and neighborhood markers of social cohesion and disorder. We applied linear mixed models to study associations between time-invariant measures of social cohesion and disorder with cognitive decline over time. We employed dual-outcomes mixed models to examine the bidirectional linkages between time-varying measures of social network structures and cognitive decline. Result: Eligible participants (N = 7,325) were included at baseline and followed for an average of 4.86±3.22 years/waves. Having more friend-ties and a higher percentage of college graduates within a social network at baseline were associated with slower declines in global cognition and episodic memory. Additionally, higher global cognition at baseline was associated with smaller reductions in social network size. Less disorientation at baseline was associated with a slower decline in social participation. Social cohesion and environmental disorder were not associated with cognitive decline. Conclusion Social networks may improve cognitive health but are also vulnerable to declining orientation. Results suggest that bidirectional longitudinal relationships link social network structure with cognitive decline and inform our understanding of the framework of associations between diverse aspects of social resources and cognitive decline in a longitudinal setting.

EFFECT OF HEARING INTERVENTION ON LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION IN THE ACHIEVE STUDY

Abstract Social health interventions in older adults typically have small effect and limited large-scale implementation. Treating hearing loss is a potential intervention, but efficacy is unknown. This study presents baseline associations between hearing loss, loneliness, and social isolation as well as the 3-year effect of a hearing intervention on social health. The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders Study (ACHIEVE) randomized controlled trial (n=977) tests the effect of hearing intervention (provision of hearing aids/related technologies, counseling/education) vs. successful aging health education control intervention on loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) and social network characteristics (Cohen Social Network Index) (pre-specified exploratory outcomes) among older adults with untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss was quantified by better ear, speech-frequency pure tone average (PTA). Speech-in-noise recognition and hearing-related quality of life were also measured. Baseline associations between hearing loss and social health outcomes are assessed by robust Poisson regression adjusted for demographic and health characteristics. Three-year hearing intervention effects are assessed by generalized linear mixed effects models. Participants were 70-84 years, 54% female, and 87% White. At baseline, better speech-in-noise recognition was associated with greater social network characteristics (e.g., larger social network size [IRR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.07]). Worse hearing-related quality of life was associated with higher prevalence of loneliness (PR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.20) and smaller social network size (IRR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.00). Hearing intervention effect results will be available prior to the conference (data collection ends early 2023). Hearing treatment could be an effective social health intervention with greater scalability.

ESPO AND HEALTH SCIENCES SECTION SYMPOSIUM: BUILDING BRIDGES: LEVERAGING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND ENVIRONMENTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH IN LATER LIFE

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed focus on social connections as fundamental contributors to health across the lifespan. Social connections have been studied in numerous ways (e.g., social network size, daily social interactions, engagement in social activities) and may facilitate health via multiple, dynamic biopsychosocial mechanisms. In line with this year’s theme, we review novel insights from early-career scholars into how “building bridges” with others throughout life may promote mental and cognitive health in later life. Further, we emphasize how bridging disciplines (e.g., social and neurocognitive sciences) is vital to understanding how social environments may “get under the skin” to impact health. Presentations will span multiple social-ecological levels (community, institutional, interpersonal). Beginning at the community/institutional level, Dr. Moored will discuss how the quantity of neighborhood social destinations contributes to GPS measures of community mobility in older adults. Dr. Britt will then describe how religious participation, a specific social institutional activity, is associated with an inflammatory biomarker predictive of cognitive impairments. The remaining talks will then report on daily social experiences. Dr. Ng will highlight links between daily support exchanges and life satisfaction in older adults and how these relationships differ by marital status. Extending to the caregiving context, Dr. Puga will present on how role captivity and daily changes in social isolation contribute to mood symptoms in family caregivers of individuals living with dementia. Our Discussant, Dr. Cudjoe, will provide a critical review in the context of new directions for research on social connections and environments.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HELP-SEEKING AMONG US CHINESE OLDER ADULTS WHO REPORTED ELDER MISTREATMENT

Abstract Purpose Elder mistreatment (EM) is an important public health issue. Guided by the Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this study aimed to examine factors that impede or facilitate help-seeking intentions and behaviors among U.S. Chinese older adults who reported EM. Methods Data were from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Different types of mistreatments, informal and formal help-seeking intentions and behaviors were assessed. Descriptive statistics, linear regression, and multinominal logistic regression were used. Results Among 450 participants who reported EM, 46.55% experienced psychological mistreatment, 29.91% had financial exploitation, 14.92% had caregiver neglect, 4.68% had physical mistreatment, 1.11% had sexual mistreatment, and 17.78% had multiple victimizations. Intentions of informal help-seeking was higher among victims who were female and married, and those who experienced financial exploitation and caregiver neglect. Formal help-seeking intentions were lower among victims who had a larger social network size. EM victims who were female, married, perceived more social support, experienced financial exploitation, and experienced caregiver neglect were more likely to seek help from informal resources. EM victims who had higher income, perceived more social support, and had multiple victimizations were more likely to seek formal resources. Conclusion/implication: Our findings suggest that the predisposing factors, enabling resources, and need factors that impacted seeking help from informal and formal resources among older Chinese Americans who reported mistreatment. Findings provided important insights for developing early screening programs and interventions, such as increasing help-seeking channels and improving access to care services.

Association between psychosocial factors and co-morbid cigarette smoking and alcohol use in a population experiencing homelessness

The prevalence of combustible cigarette smoking in populations experiencing homelessness in the United States is five times that of the general population. The psychosocial well-being of persons who smoke and experience homelessness is poorer if such persons also use alcohol heavily. The PTQ2 study was a randomized clinical trial among persons experiencing homelessness who were also current smokers and heavy alcohol consumers. Secondary data analysis of the PTQ2 baseline data was conducted to examine associations among psychosocial variables (anxiety, depression, hopelessness, social network size), heaviness of smoking (cigarettes/day) and alcohol consumption (drinking days/month), and duration and frequency of homelessness. Among the 420 participants, the majority were male (75%), black (70%) and non-Hispanic (94%) with a mean age of 46.6 years (SD = 11.6). Bivariate analyses show that heaviness of smoking was positively correlated with social network size (r = 0.16, p = .001). Heaviness of drinking was positively correlated with the MINI anxiety score (r = 0.13, p = .009) and marijuana use (median total number of drinks in past 30 days among those who used marijuana in past 30 days vs. did not use: 50 vs. 24, p < .0001), and associated with frequency of homelessness (median total number of drinks in past 30 days among those experiencing homelessness once vs. >1 time: 30 vs. 44, p = .022). The findings highlight the psychosocial factors that warrant consideration when addressing heavy smoking and alcohol consumption in persons experiencing homelessness.

How recommendation letters affect career Mobility：Evidence from a social networking sites LinkedIn

Social networking sites (SNSs) provide users with ample opportunities to share their own information and participate in social browsing to get to know others. Drawing upon signaling theory, this paper investigated how and to what extent recommendation letters’ content information (breadth and depth) and external information (field and relationship) affect career mobility. Based on the open data from LinkedIn, this paper adopted the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) method to capture the breadth and depth of the recommendation letter, and used elaboration likelihood model to test our model. The results show that both content information and external information of the recommendation letter have significant positive impacts on the career mobility. In addition, the social network size shown converse moderating effects between recommendation letter content information and career mobility. This paper extends the boundaries of signaling theory by creatively using machine learning methods to measure textual signals (i.e., recommendation letter). The research results provide practical implications for personal career development and firm talent management.

Social Networks and MRI measures of Brain Injury in Racially and Ethnically Diverse Populations

AbstractBackgroundSocial networks may influence late‐life cognition directly via affecting brain structures or indirectly through enhancing cognitive resilience – i.e., the ability to maintain cognitive function in the presence of neurodegeneration. This study assesses the associations of social networks with markers of neurodegeneration, and determines whether social networks modify the associations between these markers and cognitive function.MethodWe pooled data from three harmonized cohorts of Kaiser Permanente Northern California members: the Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences (KHANDLE)study, the Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR), and the LifeAfter90 (LA90) Study. Social network sizes were calculated by summing the number of living children, spouse, and close relatives and friends. Neuroimaging markers included total brain volume (TBV), hippocampal volume (HCV), and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMH). Volumetric measures were normalized using a residual approach, which regressed intracranial volume (ICV) on volumetric measures to predict the ICV‐adjusted volume. Executive function and verbal episodic memory were measured by the Spanish and English Neuropsychological Assessment Scales and were z‐standardized. Linear regression models estimated the associations between social network size and each neuroimaging marker, adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, cohort, and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). We included an interaction term between social networks and neuroimaging markers to evaluate whether the relationships between imaging markers and cognitive function differed by social networks.ResultThe pooled sample’s average age was 76 (SD 11) years (59% female; 47% Black) (Table 1). In the fully adjusted models, the mean differences in injury markers did not differ by social network size (Figure 1). However, the associations of HCV and WMH with executive function (βsocial network*WMH = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01,0.18; βsocial network*HCV = ‐0.08, 95% CI ‐0.15, ‐0.01) were stronger among participants with smaller social networks (Figure 2).ConclusionIn this cross‐sectional study of racially and ethnically diverse older adults, larger social networks attenuated the associations between neurodegeneration markers and executive function. These findings suggest that larger social networks may promote cognitive resilience.

Late‐life social activity and subsequent risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research reported associations between more social engagement and better cognitive health. Social engagement is a multidimensional construct encompassing interrelated but distinct domains such as social activity, social network size, perceived social support, and loneliness. These domains are not equally amenable to interventions. We therefore focused on late‐life social activity, as a potentially modifiable facet of social engagement, and examined its relation to risks of dementia and MCI, independent of other aspects of social engagement, lifestyle, and health.MethodIn the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP), 1923 older adults without dementia at baseline were followed longitudinally, with annual clinical evaluation of dementia and MCI. The frequency of participation in six common social activities was assessed by a validated scale at baseline (mean = 2.6, range: 1‐4.3), as were size of social network, perceived social support, and perceived loneliness. A clinical diagnosis of MCI or dementia was rendered annually based on cognitive tests and diagnostic classification by a clinician. We used Cox proportional hazard models to quantify associations between social activity score and incident dementia or MCI. Primary models controlled for demographics; additional models included covariates for health, other social engagement indicators, and income. In secondary analyses, to consider reverse causality, we excluded participants who developed MCI or dementia within two years after baseline.ResultDuring a mean follow‐up of 6.7 (std = 4.7) years, 545 (28%) participants developed dementia, and 695 (49% of those without MCI at baseline) developed MCI. Each one‐unit increment in social activity score was associated with a 37% reduction in dementia risk [HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.53‐0.74] after adjusting for age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, and marital status (Figure 1A). Social activity was also related to a lower risk of MCI [HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66‐0.89] (Figure 1B). Results were not meaningfully different after adjusting for vascular disease burden, BMI, ADL disability, physical activity, depressive symtoms, social network size, social support, social isolation, and income. Excluding participants who developed MCI or dementia soon after baseline did not change the patterns.ConclusionKeeping socially active at older age is related to lower dementia risk, possibly informing strategies for developing preventive interventions.

Assessing bidirectional longitudinal associations between changes in social network structures and cognitive decline in late life

AbstractBackgroundThe role of social networks in maintaining cognitive health is unclear, in part because few longitudinal studies have explored bidirectional associations between changes in social network structures and cognition.MethodSecondary analyses of data collected during nine waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS; 2011‐2019) were conducted. Global cognition was the main outcome, but domain‐specific analyses examined episodic memory, orientation, and executive function. Linear mixed models were used to investigate longitudinal effects of neighborhood social cohesion and physical environment on cognitive decline. Dual‐outcomes models were used to examine bidirectional associations between social network structures and cognitive decline. Covariates included socioeconomic status, physical measurements, mental health, and lifestyle indicators.ResultEligible participants (N = 7,325) were recruited at baseline and followed for an average of 4.86±3.22 years. Bivariate correlations indicated that slopes of changes in social networks or participation and cognitive decline were positively correlated. Having more friend ties and a higher percentage of college graduates at baseline were associated with slower declines in global cognition and episodic memory, whereas higher global cognition at baseline was associated with smaller changes in social network size. Less disorientation at baseline was associated with a slower decline in social participation.ConclusionFindings indicate bidirectional longitudinal relationships between social network structure and cognitive decline. Social networks may improve cognitive health but are also vulnerable to cognitive decline related to disorientation.

Understanding social network and cognitive function among Korean immigrant older adults in the United States

AbstractBackgroundSocial networks provide benefits to older adults, including some positive impact on cognitive health. Immigrant older adults with limited English proficiency in the United States (US) may experience the disruption of social network change resulting from their relocation compounded with language barriers. Despite the central role of social networks in older adults’ cognitive function, little information is available about actual social network size among immigrant older adults in the US and how social network sizes are associated with their cognitive status.MethodKorean American (KA) older adults represent one of the fastest growing, yet some of the most vulnerable groups in the US due to their limited English proficiency. PLAN—Preparing health aging through Dementia literacy And Navigation—is an ongoing, multi‐site clinical trial involving KA older adults (65+ years) with probable dementia with a goal of promoting their linkage to dementia care. Potential participants go through cognitive screening using Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE) to confirm eligibility. Part of the screening process involves a survey about social network using Lubben Social Network Scale‐6 as availability of a caregiver is part of eligibility criteria. Using eligibility screening data, we investigated social network among community‐dwelling KA older adults and its association with MMSE status after controlling for age, sex, and education.ResultA total of 747 KA older adults (mean age = 77 years, 28% male, and 61% ≤high school) were included in the analysis. More than one third (35%) of the sample had a score &lt;12 on the Lubben scale, indicating being “at risk for social isolation.” Logistic regression analysis revealed that KA older adults who were at risk for social isolation had more than twice higher odds (adjusted odds ratio = 2.007, p = 0.002) of being MMSE positive (i.e., cognitive decline) than those who were not, after controlling for age, sex, and education.ConclusionSocial network analyses have potential to present much needed information in relation to older adults’ health status. Our findings suggest the urgent need for social support resources in this socially disadvantaged group of immigrant older adults. Future research should investigate effective strategies to enable access to the resources of wellness in the population.