Social Networks Of Older Adults Research Articles

The role of social support networks in a sample of older adults living with HIV: the GOLD studies

ABSTRACT As the epidemiological landscape of HIV/AIDS changed over the last 40 years, more people are now living with HIV/AIDS deeper into senior adulthood. People over age 50 living with HIV face myriad challenges including medical, psychological, and social comorbidities. In this analysis, we consider the social realities and social networks of older adults living with HIV and assess how relationships and communities have been affected by stigma and other challenges of aging with HIV. A total of 40 participants, ages 51–69 years, living with HIV in the Newark metropolitan area were interviewed. A thematic analysis was conducted, and four main themes were identified: (1) friends and relationships; (2) support groups; (3) stigma and discrimination; (4) family. The role of social support within this community is discussed within these key themes. This study helps us to better understand how support networks affect older adults living with HIV and how stigma and fragmented relationships can ultimately contribute to negative health outcomes.

Rede de suporte social, capacidade funcional e saúde mental em pessoas idosas

Abstract This study aimed to describe the characteristics of the social networks of older adults and to assess associations between social support, functional capacity and mental health. The sample consisted of 134 community-dwelling older adults, assessed in terms of their social network through the Minimum Map of Older Adult Relationships; functional capacity for performance in activities of daily living; depressive symptoms, assessed through the Geriatric Depression Scale and; anxiety, assessed through the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Cluster analyses were performed. The social network was characterized by being informal, functioning as affective support that occurs through visits. Social support perceived as insufficient was more frequent in men, in those who were dependent regarding instrumental activities of daily living, and in those with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Reduced social support networks and lack of support were associated with limitations in functional capacity and worse mental health, sparking debate about the centrality of the family in the provision of support.

Examining the social networks of older adults receiving informal or formal care: a systematic review

PurposeTo address the care needs of older adults, it is important to identify and understand the forms of care support older adults received. This systematic review aims to examine the social networks of older adults receiving informal or formal care and the factors that influenced their networks.MethodsA systematic review was conducted by searching six databases from inception to January 31, 2023. The review included primary studies focusing on older adults receiving long-term care, encompassing both informal and formal care. To assess the risk of bias in the included studies, validated appraisal tools specifically designed for different study types were utilized. Network analysis was employed to identify the grouping of study concepts, which subsequently formed the foundation for describing themes through narrative synthesis.ResultsWe identified 121 studies relating to the formal and informal care of older adults’ networks. A variety of social ties were examined by included studies. The most commonly examined sources of care support were family members (such as children and spouses) and friends. Several factors were consistently reported to influence the provision of informal care, including the intensity of networks, reciprocity, and geographical proximity. In terms of formal care utilization, older age and poor health status were found to be associated with increased use of healthcare services. Additionally, physical limitations and cognitive impairment were identified as factors contributing to decreased social engagement.ConclusionThis review found that older people were embedded within a diverse network. The findings of this review emphasize the importance of recognizing and incorporating the diversity of social networks in care plans and policies to enhance the effectiveness of interventions and improve the overall well-being of older adults.

The role of frailty, social networks, and depression in self-neglect in an older Chinese population: A cross-sectional descriptive study

ObjectivesTo identify the role of frailty, social networks, and depression in self-neglect in an older Chinese population. MethodsThe study was conducted in 521 older adults recruited from four community healthcare centers in a district in Beijing, China. Participants were investigated by a set of questionnaires. ResultsFrailty (β=0.150, p=0.759) was not associated with self-neglect of older adults. Social isolation (β=1.980, p<0.001) and depression (β=3.606, p<0.001) were both factors associated with self-neglect in older adults. ConclusionManagement of depression and improvement of social networks of older adults should be incorporated into interventional strategies to effectively control self-neglect. Understanding self-neglect and its associated factors will ultimately contribute to the intervention development and well-being of older adults.

Active aging model: Sample of Ankara

ABSTRACT Demographic change in Turkey is quite rapid as in other developing countries. The elderly population, which has reached 9.7%, has brought along the problems that need to be solved for our country. It is important to investigate the concept of active aging which is included in the solution proposals. The aim of this research is to develop a Model of Some of the Personal and Social Factors Affecting Active Aging, by emphasizing the personal and social determinants that affect active aging. 280 older adults aged 65 and over, living in Ankara and from different socio-economic levels, participated in the research. Active aging scale, psychological resilience scale, social network scale, and loneliness scale were used as a measurement tool. When the results are examined, it is seen that the path model generally fits well. According to the Path model, we can say that as psychological resilience decreases, loneliness increases, loneliness also weakens the social network and the active aging level of the older adults decreases. On the contrary, we can say that the wide social network increases the active aging level of the older adults. Increasing and realizing social cohesion, social participation, and volunteering opportunities for healthy and active aging in Turkey will enable the expansion of the social networks of older adults and the prevention of loneliness in old age. The obtained implications were discussed within the framework of the studies in the literature, and suggestions were made to individuals, the related institutions, and organizations.

노인의 사회적 관계망에 대한 계량서지학적 분석

This study attempted to comprehensively analyze the research trends on the social network of older adults using the bibliometric analysis. Literature was collected using Web of Science database and the number of published papers by year was analyzed. Citation analysis by country and research institution, keyword, and cluster analysis was conducted through VOSviewer. The results were displayed through a visualization map. A total of 3,660 papers were published from 1982 to August 2022, and the number of papers published by year showed an increasing trend. Research on social networks of older adults was most active in the field of Gerontology and Geriatrics. The Journal of Gerontology series B Psychological Science and Social Sciences published the most papers. As a result of citation analysis by country and institution, it was found that research on social networks of older adults was most actively conducted in the United States and had the biggest influence. Top five keywords included health(1,114 times), support(707 times), loneliness(459 times), social support(359 times), and adults(281 times). The top 100 keywords were classified into a total of four clusters. Through the results of this study, it is hoped that the importance of social networks for older adults will be recalled for preventive reasons. Also, this study will help to prepare systems and interventions to maintain the network of older adults which shrinks as one ages.

Gender homophily and gender distribution in social networks: The case of older adults in long term care settings

Distinctiveness theory suggests that numeric rarity is correlated with stronger homophily. In this paper, we examine this theory by studying gender homophily in social networks of older adults. We document subjective social networks in multiple long term care settings for older adults over several time points. Homophily for each gender is estimated using exponential random graph models. We find evidence for positive homophily across all networks, and show that it is correlated to the magnitude of the female majority or male minority. Our findings empirically verify distinctiveness theory and could improve interventions to promote tie formation in social networks.

Social network subtypes among socially disconnected older adults at risk for suicide: A latent class analysis.

We sought to characterize the social networks of older adults who report feeling lonely or like a burden on others, psychological states that are associated with risk for suicide according to the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. We used a latent class analysis to identify distinct groups of older adults based on social network characteristics and perceptions of their networks within a sample of older adults endorsing loneliness and/or feeling like a burden. We examined associations between class membership and mental health outcomes. Four network types were identified: small, cohabitating networks with daily contact; moderate-sized family-oriented networks with multiple contacts weekly; moderate-sized friend-oriented networks with weekly contact; and average-sized mixed networks with weekly contact. The friend-oriented class reported the greatest loneliness, perceived burden, and lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts. Social network composition may be more explanatory of loneliness and perceived burden than number of members alone. Profile differences in outcomes suggest utilizing tailored social connectedness interventions. Individuals with small-to-moderate networks may benefit most from interventions designed to build friendships. Individuals with many close confidants may benefit most from psychotherapy. Individuals reporting moderately frequent contact with moderately-sized networks may benefit from both intervention types.

Social Networks and Residential Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Schizophrenia: Compensation by Reconfiguration?

ObjectiveTo address the paucity of data on the structure and content of social networks of older adults with schizophrenia (OAS). MethodsThe OAS group comprised 249 persons aged 55 and older with early-onset schizophrenia living in supportive housing (SS; n = 151), independently (SI; n = 70), or with family (SF; n = 28). The community comparison (CC) group comprised 113 individuals. Social network analysis was used. Multinomial logistic regression with p ≤0.001 and p ≤0.05 was used for overall and pairwise comparisons, respectively. ResultsEach OAS subgroup had more total, nonkin, and formal linkages than the CC group. The SS and SI subgroups had fewer kin linkages than the CC group. The CC group had more confidants than the SS subgroup, more reliable linkages than the SS and SI subgroups, and more sustenance linkages than each of the OAS subgroups. Nearly everyone in the CC, SI, and SF subgroups had a confidant, a reliable contact, and a sustenance linkage; 33% of the SS subgroup had no confidants. The SS subgroup displayed more psychiatric symptoms than the SI and SF subgroups. There were no differences in loneliness or relationship satisfaction between the CC and the schizophrenia subgroups. ConclusionNetworks were expressed differentially across residential arrangements and differences may reflect dissimilarities in psychiatric functioning. OAS generally had ample levels of companionship and emotional and instrumental support, often comparable to their age peers. Whereas social networks typically decline at illness onset and may be predominantly family-focused, later life may be a time of network reconfiguration and reconstitution.

Older Adults' Internal Migration Toward Faraway Siblings.

ObjectivesResearch on the role of siblings in older adult migration lags behind a growing number of studies on adult children as a mobility attraction. We attend to this gap by examining (a) to what extent the absence of partners and/or adult children influences older adults’ (age 70–84) migration toward faraway siblings (at least 50 km away) and (b) how these migrations are patterned by the location of other family members (children, other siblings, and nephews/nieces).MethodsWe use multinomial logistic regression models and analyze dyads of older adults and all distant siblings from the Swedish population register data between 2012 and 2016 (N = 1,743,234). We control for several characteristics of older adults and their siblings that may affect the decision to move closer, including sociodemographic characteristics and measures of location-specific capital.ResultsWidowed, divorced, and never-married older adults were more likely to move closer to distant siblings than those with a partner. Not having children was associated with a higher likelihood of moving toward a sibling. Living near adult children or other siblings deterred relocation toward siblings, while family clustered at a distance reinforced the location’s attractiveness for migration.DiscussionAs declines in fertility broadly reflect people’s decisions to have fewer children or forego having families, siblings might emerge as more active players in the family networks of older adults. Our research indicates that siblings can be a destination for migration and, therefore, should be considered as important members of social networks of older adults, especially those who do not have partners and/or adult children available.

Social Networks in Retirement and Assisted Living Communities: A Literature Review.

Research has substantiated that social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health, earlier death, and reduced quality of life among older adults. Although there has been research focusing on social networks of nursing home residents and interventions to decrease loneliness and improve social interactions for older adults in varied settings, there is a gap in research relating to social networks of older adults in assisted living and retirement communities. The goal of the current review was to summarize relevant research findings related to this topic published in the past 5 years. The literature review included searching three electronic databases (CINAHL, EBSCOhost, and PubMed) for research articles published between January 2015 and March 2020. A total of 475 articles were identified, which was narrowed to 16 articles included for full review after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Following analysis, three themes were identified in the literature: Social Connections Within an Assisted Living Community, Social Networks Between Residents and Their Adult Children, and Influence of Physical Structure on Social Networks of Residents. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(1), 42-46.].

Types of social networks and starting leisure activities in later life: A longitudinal Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES).

Considering beneficial effects of leisure activities in later life on well-being and health, we investigated which type of social network among older adults is associated with starting their participation in leisure activities. We used data from a longitudinal Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) conducted in Japan every three years from 2010 to 2016. We extracted types of social networks of older adults who did not participate in leisure activities in 2013 and responded to items related to social networks (n = 3436) relying on latent class analysis to examine changes in leisure activity participation over a three-year period within each latent class while controlling for participants’ activity in 2010. As a result, we identified five latent classes of social networks: the Neighborhood network, the Restricted network, which is characterized by limited social contacts, the Colleagues network, the Same-Interest network, and the Diverse network, from the most to the least prevalent. We found that members of the Neighborhood (Cohen’s d = 0.161) and Same-Interest networks (d = 0.660) were significantly more likely to, and members of the Diverse (d = 0.124) and Colleague networks (d = 0.060) were not significantly more likely to start leisure activities than those in the Restricted network. Furthermore, we found that lower age, better mental health, and higher education level were positively associated with starting participation in leisure activities in some latent classes. Horticulture or gardening was most likely to be chosen across all latent classes. Supporting the formation of social networks facilitating leisure activities, and recommending activities that were likely to be selected could be one solution for getting and keeping older adults active.

Network-Exposure Severity and Self-Protective Behaviors: The Case of COVID-19

Background and ObjectivesTo clarify whether awareness of the extent and severity of exposure to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the social networks of older adults is related to the engagement by the latter in self-protective behaviors. The inquiry is guided by the Health Belief Model and by concepts from the domain of social networks.Research Design and MethodsData from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were used, including the SHARE COVID-19 Survey executed in the summer of 2020. The study sample numbered 33,053 persons aged 50 and older in 26 countries. We regressed a logged count of self-protective behaviors on network-exposure severity, controlling for sociodemographic background, country, personality traits, and self-exposure severity. Age and network-exposure interaction terms were examined, as were “close family” and “other” network ties.ResultsNetwork-exposure severity was positively associated with the extent of engagement in self-protective behaviors among older adults, but mainly among the oldest group, aged 70 and older. Awareness of exposure severity in “close family” and “other” networks were similarly associated with self-protection. Respondents from countries with the lowest rates of COVID-19 infection at the time (Latvia, Finland, and Denmark) engaged in fewer self-protective behaviors, while those from countries with high infection rates (Spain, Italy, and Portugal) self-protected to a greater degree.Discussion and ImplicationsThe study findings point to the role of the social network, even if indirect, in promoting self-protective behaviors among the oldest segment of society. Policymakers should collaborate with the social networks of older adults in order to promote the adoption of self-protective behaviors. Such intervention might help to reduce the threat of infection among the most vulnerable age group.

The impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life of older adults receiving community-based aged care.

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the quality of life and social networks of older adults receiving community care services.MethodsQuality of life and social network questionnaires were completed by older adults (n = 21) receiving home care services at three time points (2018, 2019, and during the first Australian COVID‐19 lockdown in 2020). Additional questions about technology use were included in 2020.ResultsOlder adults’ quality of life significantly decreased during the pandemic compared to the prior year. During the pandemic, over 80% used technology to maintain contact with family and friends, and social networks did not change.ConclusionGovernment messages and support initiatives directed towards technology adoption among older adults receiving home care may assist with maintaining social connection during COVID‐19. Our findings add to the relatively limited understanding of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the socio‐emotional well‐being of older people.

The power of culture: the gendered impact of family structures and living arrangements on social networks of Chinese older adults

AbstractMost of the extant literature on the fertility history and social networks of older adults has focused on advanced societies. Nevertheless, a limited number of studies have explored how culturally preferred family structures or living arrangements are related to older adults’ social networks in developing societies. This study examined these issues in the Chinese context and paid particular attention to the filial piety and preference for sons dominating Chinese society. Using nationally representative data of adults aged 60 and over from China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey in 2016, we constructed family and friend network scores following previous studies and developed linear models using multiple imputation for the missing data. The results suggested that childless older adults were the most disadvantaged in receiving support from family networks. Despite China's patrilineal culture, daughters were important sources of support. In terms of friend networks, older men who had no sons were least likely to receive support while co-residing with a partner and a son(s) might benefit them. Further analysis revealed that older rural women, but not older urban women, also had more support from friend networks if living with sons, implying urban–rural differences. Given the impact of social networks on older adults’ health and wellbeing, older Chinese people with no sons might need more support from other sources, such as aged-care programmes from public institutions, to achieve healthy ageing.

Local Ties in the Social Networks of Older Adults.

Family members and friends who live nearby may be especially well-positioned to provide social support and companionship for community-residing older adults, but prior research has not examined the distribution and characteristics of local ties in older adults' networks. We hypothesize that local ties are newer, more frequently accessed, and more embedded in the network, and that social disadvantage and neighborhood conditions structure older adults' access to local ties. We use egocentric network data from 15,137 alters named by 3,735 older adults in Wave 3 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). We conduct dyadic analysis to compare characteristics of local and nonlocal ties. Logistic regression models estimate how personal and neighborhood characteristics are associated with naming local kin and local non-kin ties. Nearly half of the older adults named at least one local network tie, and about 60% of these local ties are non-kin. Local ties are newer, frequently accessed, and highly embedded in older adults' networks. Local kin ties are most common among socially disadvantaged older adults. Local non-kin ties are most common among white older adults and those who live in areas with high levels of collective efficacy, although local non-kin ties are also associated with residence in high-poverty neighborhoods. Local ties may bring unique benefits for community-residing older adults, but their availability is likely structured by residential mobility, neighborhood context, disparities in resources, and support needs. Future research should consider their implications for health and well-being.

Types of Personal Social Networks of Older Adults in Portugal

This study presents and discusses a three-dimensional typology for personal social networks of Portuguese older adults. We used a K-means cluster analysis of structural, functional and relational-contextual variables of the networks of 612 participants aged 65 + (M = 76 ± 7.6), mostly women (63%). Four types of networks emerged: family networks, friendship networks, neighbourhood networks and institutional networks. The most frequent are family networks (61.8%), constituted by 94.6% of family ties, on average, attesting the familistic nature of the older persons’ networks in Portugal, followed by friendship networks (23.5%) and neighbourhood networks (11.9%). The less frequent type is the institutional network (2.8%), dominated by formal ties (M = 59.3%). Sociographic profiles reveal that family networks are more likely to be held by middle-old focal subjects, married or widowed, and with children. Friendship and neighbourhood networks are held by young-old subjects with different marital status, many of them living alone, with a higher proportion of men with friendship networks. Institutional networks are held by old–old, widowed or single with no children. The presented typology contributes to understand social support needs and social isolation. The conclusions allow to anticipate social services’ demand trajectories and to propose intervention plans and social policy measures to promote the wellbeing of the older population.

MEASUREMENT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS OF ELDERS USING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE: A SCOPING REVIEW

Social networks impact the health and wellbeing of older adults. The importance of social networks drives the need to reliably measure social networks. Advancements and innovations in the internet, electronic and digital devices, social media and health care technology enriches our ability to collect social network and health data to overcome limitations in social network measurement. This scoping review will review approaches utilizing technology to assist the measurement and analysis of social networks among older adults in the context of health and social care. Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was followed; PubMed (MEDLINE), Sociological s, SocINDEX, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for related articles. Conference abstracts and proceedings were included. We discuss the gaps and advances in measurement of social networks of older adults using technology and implications for future research in social networks of older adults as a lever for improving health and well-being.

A CROSS-NATIONAL COMPARISON OF THE SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS OF OLDER MEN AND WOMEN WHO LACK TRADITIONAL FAMILY TIES

Existing literature on “aging alone” focuses on potential lack of support to “kinless” older adults who do not have traditional family ties (e.g., child, spouse; Margolis & Verdery, 2018), as well as the ways in which childless or unpartnered older adults may construct non-kin networks of support (e.g., friendship; Djundeva et al., 2018; Mair, 2019). In addition, older men’s and women’s social networks vary, with women reporting more network growth than men and potentially lower family involvement (Schwartz & Litwin, 2018). Finally, patterns of support (e.g., family care, friend interactions) differ by country context. However, it is unknown if and how the social networks of older adults who lack traditional family ties may differ by gender, as well as what forms of cross-national variation exist in these patterns. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE, N=17 nations, N=53,247 adults aged 50+), we take advantage of a unique social support network module in this cross-national dataset to compare closeness, proximity, quality, and type of ties by gender among older childless and unpartnered men and women by country. Among those without traditional family ties, we find that older women may be advantaged in terms of social support compared to older men, but that this advantage varies by nation. We discuss the details and implications of these results regarding potential policy implications about the differential risks faced by older men and women who lack traditional family ties in various country contexts.

Hearing Impairment, Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Cognitive Function: Longitudinal Analysis Using English Longitudinal Study on Ageing

ObjectiveThis study examines the relationships between hearing impairment and cognitive function among older adults, and whether that association is mediated by loneliness and social isolation. MethodsData were drawn from English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) wave two (2004/2005) until wave seven (2014/2015). The study sample consisted of 8,199 individuals aged 50 years or older. Cognitive function was measured using episodic memory. We performed analysis using a generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) technique. ResultsGSEM analysis shows that the direct effect of hearing impairment on episodic memory was negative and significant (β = −0.29, p <0.001). Loneliness and social isolation mediated that effect. Hearing impairment was positively associated with loneliness (β = 0.10, p <0.001) and social isolation (β = 0.04, p <0.001). Loneliness (β = −0.08, p <0.001) and social isolation (β = −0.09, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with lower memory scores. ConclusionThe link between hearing impairment and episodic memory was partly mediated by loneliness and social isolation. Interventions to improve the social networks of older adults with hearing impairment are likely to be beneficial in preventing cognitive decline. Thus, the importance of maintaining social relationships among older adults, especially those with hearing impairment is highlighted.