Structural and functional social network attributes moderate the association of self-rated health with mental health in midlife and older adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim D. Windsor ◽  
Pilar Rioseco ◽  
Katherine L. Fiori ◽  
Rachel G. Curtis ◽  
Heather Booth
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Social Exchanges ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Contact Frequency ◽  
Negative Social Exchanges

ABSTRACTBackground:Social relationships are multifaceted, and different social network components can operate via different processes to influence well-being. This study examined associations of social network structure and relationship quality (positive and negative social exchanges) with mental health in midlife and older adults. The focus was on both direct associations of network structure and relationship quality with mental health, and whether these social network attributes moderated the association of self-rated health (SRH) with mental health.Methods:Analyses were based on survey data provided by 2001 (Mean age = 65, SD = 8.07) midlife and older adults. We used Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to classify participants into network types based on network structure (partner status, network size, contact frequency, and activity engagement), and used continuous measures of positive and negative social exchanges to operationalize relationship quality. Regression analysis was used to test moderation.Results:LCA revealed network types generally consistent with those reported in previous studies. Participants in more diverse networks reported better mental health than those categorized into a restricted network type after adjustment for age, sex, education, and employment status. Analysis of moderation indicated that those with poorer SRH were less likely to report poorer mental health if they were classified into more diverse networks. A similar moderation effect was also evident for positive exchanges.Conclusions:The findings suggest that both quantity and quality of social relationships can play a role in buffering against the negative implications of physical health decline for mental health.

scholarly journals Association of Social Relationships and Depression Among Older Mexican Adults: Does a Rural or Urban Context Matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 505-505
Author(s):  
Paige Downer ◽  
Rebeca Wong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Perceived Support ◽  
Mexican Adults

Abstract Social characteristics such as strong community and family ties have been associated with positive mental health outcomes in older adults. However, this evidence is based primarily on non-Hispanic White populations and may vary according to living in a rural versus urban community. We hypothesize that the positive impact of available social networks, perceived support, and social participation on older Mexican adults’ likelihood for high depressive symptoms (i.e., depression) will be greater for those living in rural (community < 2,500 people) than urban communities. Data came from the 2012 Wave of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. Depressive symptoms were measured using a 9-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Social participation is the respondent’s self-reported participation in hobbies, religious activities, volunteering, and visits with neighbors. Available social network is measured as having relatives and/or good friends living in the neighborhood. Perceived support is the respondent’s perception of friends/family’s willingness to help with finances and personal care. The final sample of 6,266 respondents was majority (62.4%) female, mean age of 69 years, 17.8% lived in a rural community, and 34.5% with depression. Logistic regression models stratified by rural/urban indicated that available social network and perceived social support were not associated with depression in rural or urban communities. In general, the social participation activities were associated with significantly lower odds of depression for older adults living in urban but not rural communities. This research highlights the influence of older adults’ community on their social relationships and mental health.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF NEGATIVE SOCIAL EXCHANGES ON ADULT PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Abigail M Nehrkorn-Bailey ◽  
Julie Hicks Patrick ◽  
Madeline M Marello
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Social Exchanges ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Negative Social Exchanges

Abstract As some health components may change across adulthood (CDC, 2019), social support for aging adults may be one way to optimize physical and mental health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018). When social encounters are negative, however, physical and mental health may be negatively affected (Chen & Feeley, 2013; Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010). Negative social exchanges (NSE) have been linked to an increase in negative affect and a decrease in positive affect (Newsom et al., 2003), along with an increase in physical symptoms (Edwards et al., 2001). In order to examine the relations between age, NSE, and two components of health (chronic health conditions and mental health) two moderated regression analyses were conducted using data from 848 adults (Mage = 32.5 years). Studying chronic health conditions, the overall model was significant, [F(3, 838) = 40.31, p < .001; R2 = .36]. Significant main effects emerged for NSE and age, along with a significant interaction between age and NSE (b = 0.010, p < 0.05). As NSE increased, the number of chronic health conditions increased, especially for older adults. For mental health, the overall model was significant [F(3, 845) = 52.96, p < .001; R2 = 0.16]. A significant main effect emerged for NSE, but neither the main effect for age nor the interaction were significant. Thus, although NSE can have deleterious effects on both mental and physical health, special attention needs to focus on the physical health of older adults who experience a higher number of NSE.

Structure and function of social networks, loneliness, and their association with mental disorders among older men and women in Ireland: A prospective community-based study

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S178-S179
Author(s):  
Z. Santini ◽  
K.L. Fiori ◽  
S. Tyrovolas ◽  
J.M. Haro ◽  
J. Feeney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Men And Women

IntroductionInterpersonal stressors and social isolation are detrimental for emotional health, but how these factors are related to loneliness and altogether influence risk for mental disorders is not well understood.ObjectivesTo examine the mediating role of loneliness in the associations of relationship quality and social networks with depressive symptoms, anxiety, and worry among a sample of Irish men and women in late-life.AimsTo determine the gender-specific risk for mental disorder associated with poor social relationships and loneliness among older adults.MethodsData came from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Nationally representative data on 6105 community-dwelling adults aged > 50 years were analyzed. Follow-up data was obtained two years after cohort inception. Multivariable linear regressions and mediation analyses were used to assess the associations. Analyses were stratified by gender.ResultsBetter spousal relationship quality was protective against depressive symptoms and worry for men. For both genders, support from friends was protective against depressive symptoms, and better relationship quality with children was protective against depressive symptoms and worry. Social network integration was inversely related to depressive symptoms for men. Loneliness significantly mediated most associations (Tables 1–3).ConclusionsHigh quality spousal relationships and social integration appear to play a more central role for mental health among men than for women. For both genders, poor social relationships increase feelings of loneliness, which in turn worsens mental health. Interventions to improve relationship quality and social networks, with a focus on reducing loneliness, may be beneficial for the prevention of mental disorders among older adults.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Profile Groups Based on Lifestyle and Differences in Mental Health and Cognition

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 404-404
Author(s):  
Joseph Kim ◽  
Kyuree Kim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Mean Differences

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify the profiles of older adults according to lifestyle. Data for the study were from the 2017 Consumption and Activities Mail Survey (CAMS). CAMS 2017 is a questionnaire mailed to a sub-sample of respondents from the Health and Retirement Study. Participants were limited to older adults 65 and older, and the final sample consisted of 1136 older adults. The sample included 443 men and 693 women. Caucasians comprised 82.0% of the participants. Lifestyle was measured through items assessing the amount of time spent on activities. Due to high skewness, the items were dichotomized, 0=no time spent on activity and 1=time spent on the activity. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify groups based on lifestyle. LCA is a person-centered approach for identifying unobserved subgroups based on similarity in responses to items. Three lifestyle groups were identified. Group 1 was “Outgoing” with 471 individuals. Group 2 was “Adequate” with 229 individuals. Group 3 was “Inactive” with 436 individuals. An ANOVA was then conducted to assess mean differences in self-rated health, cognition, depressive symptoms, and loneliness for the three lifestyle groups. The “Outgoing” and “Adequate” groups had significantly higher scores on self-rated health and cognition, and in addition, significantly lower scores on depressive symptoms and loneliness compared to the “Inactive” group. No significant differences were observed between the “Outgoing” and “Adequate” groups. An implication from this study is the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle in later life for better mental health and cognition.

The ‘loneliness pandemic’: implications for gerontological nursing

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 652-655
Author(s):  
Carlos Laranjeira
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Gerontological Nursing

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled states to limit free movement, in order to protect at-risk and more vulnerable groups, particularly older adults. Due to old age or debilitating chronic diseases, this group is also more vulnerable to loneliness (perceived discrepancy between actual and desired social relationships) and social isolation (feeling that one does not belong to society). This forced isolation has negative consequences for the health of older people, particularly their mental health. This is an especially challenging time for gerontological nursing, but it is also an opportunity for professionals to combat age stereotypes reinforced with COVID-19, to urge the measurement of loneliness and social isolation, and to rethink how to further adjust interventions in times of crisis, such as considering technology-mediated interventions in these uncertain times.

Loneliness and aging in China–a public health problem in need of solutions

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 1771-1772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shulin Chen ◽  
Yeates Conwell ◽  
Helen Fung Kum Chiu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Her Family ◽  
The Individual

Loneliness is a common, distressing feeling that results when one perceives his/her social relationships and supports as inadequate. Social connectedness refers to the relationships between the individual and his or her family, friends, community, and other supports. Neither loneliness nor social connectedness has received enough research attention, in particular with regard to older adults’ physical and mental health.

scholarly journals Social network members who engage in activities with older adults: do they bring more social benefits than other members?

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1050-1069 ◽  
Author(s):  
SATO ASHIDA ◽  
DANIEL K. SEWELL ◽  
ELLEN J. SCHAFER ◽  
AUDREY SCHROER ◽  
JULIA FRIBERG
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Influence ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Benefits ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Generalised Linear Mixed Model

ABSTRACTActive participation in social activities is important for the wellbeing of older adults. This study explored benefits of active social engagement by evaluating whether relationships that comprise active involvement (e.g. co-engagement in activities) bring more social benefits (i.e. social support, companionship, positive social influence) than other relationships that do not involve co-engagement. A total of 133 adults ages 60 years and older living in a rural Midwestern city in the United States of America were interviewed once and provided information on 1,740 social network members. Among 1,506 social relationships in which interactions occurred at least once a month, 52 per cent involved engagement in social activities together and 35 per cent involved eating together regularly. Results of the generalised linear mixed model showed that relationships involving co-engagement were significantly more likely to also convey social support (i.e. emotional, instrumental, informational), companionship and social influence (encouragement for healthy behaviours) than relationships that do not involve co-engagement. Having more network members who provide companionship was associated with higher sense of environmental mastery, positive relations with others and satisfaction with social network. Interventions may focus on maintaining and developing such social relationships and ensuring the presence of social settings in which co-engagement can occur. Future research may explore whether increasing co-engagement leads to an enhanced sense of companionship and psychological wellbeing.

Social Relations and Mortality

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 649-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni C. Antonucci ◽  
Kira S. Birditt ◽  
Noah J. Webster
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Survival Analyses ◽  
Best Friend ◽  
Buffering Effects

Among older adults social relationships influence mortality, but it is less clear how. We examined associations between relationship quality with spouse, child, and best friend and mortality; and whether the associations varied in the presence of chronic illnesses. Survival analyses ( N = 514; 59 percent women aged ≥ 60) revealed sometimes counterintuitive main and buffering effects. Individuals who reported greater negative relationship quality with their children and friends lived longer. Buffering models suggest that relationships may exacerbate the effects of chronic illness on mortality and emphasize the importance of using a more nuanced approach when examining the effects of social relations on mortality.

scholarly journals Social Network Types and Mental Health Among LGBT Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. S84-S94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun-Jun Kim ◽  
Karen I. Fredriksen-Goldsen ◽  
Amanda E. B. Bryan ◽  
Anna Muraco
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network
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