Social Support and Successful Aging

Abstract. Social networks or support may contribute to successful aging. The Lothian Birth Cohort 1921 had their mental ability assessed at age 11 and 79. Almost 500 participants also rated their life satisfaction, social networks, and support at age 80. After controlling for age-11 IQ, sex, years of education, and social class, loneliness was the only social network/support characteristic adding significantly to the prediction of age-79 IQ, explaining about 2% of the variance; in old age, increased loneliness was associated with lower cognitive ability. Social network/support factors accounted for 23% of the variance in satisfaction with life ratings, with the greatest contributions from reduced loneliness (~12%) and having someone to talk to (~6%). Social network/support characteristics explained a greater proportion of the variance in life satisfaction ratings compared with later life cognition, although an individual's level of loneliness emerged as the largest single social support predictor of both outcomes. Possible causal pathways for these associations, which need to be studied in future research, are discussed.

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A Relational Perspective on Social Support Between Bereaved and Their Networks After Terror: A Qualitative Study

Global Qualitative Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/2333393618792076 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 233339361879207 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Kari Dyregrov ◽

Pål Kristensen ◽

Atle Dyregrov

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Social Network ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Terror Attack ◽

Network Support ◽

Relational Perspective ◽

Social Network Support ◽

Stressful Experiences ◽

Relational Regulation ◽

Depth Interviews

The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of social network support after traumatic deaths and, by demonstrating the complexities of such encounters, to highlight whether such support may be totally beneficial. A phenomenological dynamic and relational perspective was applied to 22 in-depth interviews with parents bereaved as a result of the 2011 terror attack in Norway. Three main themes were identified in respect of interactional support processes: (a) valued support, (b) stressful experiences, and (c) interactive barriers. As well as describing the value of experienced support, the article also elaborates on the effect of lacking, avoidant, and inept support. The findings show that insecure communication and a nonmatching understanding of time and emotional overload can form interactive barriers between the bereaved and their networks. By better understanding the relational regulation processes inherent in social support we may provide informed advice to both the bereaved and their networks to maximize recovery.

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Are Coping Strategies with Well-Being in Deaf and Blind Parents Related?

European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education ◽

10.3390/ejihpe11040102 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1422-1439

Author(s):

Maria Luisa Indiana ◽

Elisabetta Sagone ◽

Salvatore Luciano Orazio Fichera

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Sensory Loss ◽

Future Research ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Deaf Parents

The main purpose of this cross-sectional study, carried out with deaf parents and blind parents, is to analyze the association of coping strategies, life satisfaction, well-being, and generalized self-efficacy, compared to a group of parents without a sensory loss. The Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, Satisfaction with Life, Generalized Self-efficacy, and Psychological Well-Being scales were applied. Results indicate that: (1) deaf parents and blind parents search for social support, use avoidance, and turn to religion more than those without a sensory loss; (2) deaf parents are more satisfied with life than blind parents and those without a sensory loss; (3) deaf parents and blind parents perceive themselves as less efficacious than those without a sensory loss; (4) deaf parents and blind parents report lower psychological well-being (autonomy and personal growth) than those without a sensory loss, except for self-acceptance. Searching for social support and turning to religion are negatively associated with life satisfaction in deaf parents and those without a sensory loss; further, these coping strategies (together with avoidance) affect the psychological well-being of deaf parents and parents without a sensory loss. Future research could investigate deeper into the effects of these dimensions on well-being and the styles of parenting in these families.

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The role of social network support in treatment outcomes for medication for opioid use disorder: a systematic review

10.1101/2020.07.18.20156950 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Navin Kumar ◽

William Oles ◽

Benjamin A. Howell ◽

Kamila Janmohamed ◽

Selena T. Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Opioid Use Disorder ◽

Social Connections ◽

Opioid Use ◽

Network Support ◽

Social Network Support ◽

Partner Relationships

AbstractBackgroundSocial connections can lead to contagion of healthy behaviors. Successful treatment of patients with opioid use disorder, as well as recovery of their communities from the opioid epidemic, may lay in rebuilding social networks. Strong social networks of support can reinforce the benefits of medication treatments that are the current standard of care and the most effective tool physicians have to fight the opioid epidemic.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of electronic research databases, specialist journals and grey literature up to August 2020 to identify experimental and observational studies of social network support in patient populations receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We place the studies into a conceptual framework of dynamic social networks, examining the role of networks before MOUD treatment is initiated, during the treatment, and in the long-term following the treatment. We analyze the results across three sources of social network support: partner relationships, family, and peer networks. We also consider the impact of negative social connections.ResultsOf 5193 articles screened, 46 studies were identified as meeting inclusion criteria (12 were experimental and 34 were observational). 39 studies indicated that social network support, or lack thereof, had a statistically significant relationship with improved MOUD treatment outcomes. We find the strongest support for the positive impact of family and partner relationships when integrated into treatment attempts. We also identify strong evidence for a negative impact of maintaining contacts with the drug-using network on treatment outcomes.ConclusionsSocial networks significantly shape effectiveness of opioid use disorder treatments. While negative social ties reinforce addiction, positive social support networks can amplify the benefits of medication treatments. Targeted interventions to reconstruct social networks can be designed as a part of medication treatment with their effects evaluated in improving patients’ odds of recovery from opioid use disorder and reversing the rising trend in opioid deaths.

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GRANDPARENT CAREGIVERS: THE RELATION BETWEEN SOCIAL NETWORKS AND RESILIENCE

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2507 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S678-S679

Author(s):

Nancy Mendoza ◽

Christine Fruhauf

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Future Research ◽

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ◽

Face To Face ◽

Grandparent Caregivers ◽

New Information ◽

Multiple Challenges ◽

Using Data

Abstract Grandparents raising grandchildren experience multiple challenges as they take on the unexpected role of caring for their grandchildren, which usually occurs under stressful and stigmatizing conditions. Many of the challenges grandparents experience are well documented in the research. Less attention is given to understanding how a grandparent caregiver’s social network changes when s/he becomes a caregiver and how her/his social network influences resilience. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use social network analysis (SNA) to examine the relation between social networks and resilience in grandparents raising their grandchildren. This was done by conducting face-to-face interviews with twenty grandparents raising grandchildren after they completed a survey measuring social support, social isolation, and resilience. The interview protocol included questions related to participants’ social network, social support, and services. Prior to the interviews, using data from the surveys participants were identified as representing one of four resilience quadrants: resilient, maladaptive, competent, and vulnerable. Qualitative analysis of grandparent’s social networks across groups indicated resilient grandparent caregivers’ networks were structured in a way that provided more opportunities for the inflow of new information and resources. Whereas the proportion of professionals in maladaptive grandparent caregivers’ networks tended to be less than for other networks. This could suggest that for grandparent caregivers, having professionals in one’s network can be beneficial. Findings from the current study provide opportunities for future research such as identifying ways to help grandparent caregivers structure their social networks to promote resilience.

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INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SUPPORT AND COGNITION AS MEDIATED BY HEALTH AND POSITIVE AFFECT

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2407 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S648-S648

Author(s):

Francesca Falzarano ◽

Karen L Siedlecki ◽

Timothy Salthouse

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Positive Affect ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Decreased social networks are common in old age after major life events such as retirement, loss of loved ones, and declining health (Shankar et al., 2013). Diminished social ties are associated with increased feelings of loneliness and perceived isolation, which can have negative effects on cognition and physical health. The current study examines the relationship between social support (assessed via the Social Network Questionnaire) and overall cognitive performance (assessed as a latent construct comprising indicators that represent mean verbal episodic memory, processing speed, reasoning, and spatial visualization), and investigates positive affect and self-rated health as mediators of this relationship. The current study included 5,125 participants between the ages of 18-99 years from the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project (VCAP). Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling. After controlling for age and education, results showed that a social support construct (comprising indicators representing each social network subscale) significantly and positively predicted cognitive performance (.59, p< .001). This relationship was reduced to .22 (p <.001) when positive affect was included as a mediator, and to .14 (p< .001) when self-rated health was included as a mediator. When the variables were included in a joint mediation model the relationship between social support and cognition was .20 (p < .001). Thus, health and positive affect are partial mediators of the relationship between social support and cognition and may help explain the relationship between social support and cognition. Furthermore, these findings provide additional evidence that social networks may play an important role in successful aging.

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The Absence of Close Social Network Connections: A Case Study Investigation in Social Isolation

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.550 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 170-170

Author(s):

Raeann LeBlanc ◽

Rachel Walker

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Network Effects ◽

Female Gender ◽

Older Age ◽

Future Research ◽

Social Connection ◽

Multiple Data

Abstract Social isolation is an emerging phenomenon known to significantly influence health outcomes and carries specific risk in older age. As part of a larger study exploring the social network effects on health among persons age 65 and above, it was found that four cases from a larger sample (n=89) could not name any one from their social relationships supportive to them in managing their health while living with complex chronic health needs. In addressing these findings, these cases, bounded spatially by individual social networks and temporally by the time of the study interview, served the basis for intensive analysis using multiple data points from in-depth interviews and survey measures. Measures included descriptive data (social networks, demographics) and measures of health (SF-12), and social support (MOS-SSS). Each participant case identified as female gender and single, three lived alone, had a high burden of chronic conditions and poor health. All had recent hospitalizations (1 or more within the past year). The structures of their social networks varied in type of relationship roles and size. Social support was perceived overall as low. This study offers a specific contribution to research on social connection/isolation. This phenomenon is relative to specific contexts. Findings emphasize that social isolation can be specific to certain aspects of identity and poorer health in older age. Additional research on the functions and qualities of social networks, in addition to the structure, are important to specify in future research and knowledge development for practice assessment to determine social connection and isolation.

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Don’t put all social network sites in one basket: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and their relations with well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0248384 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0248384

Author(s):

Alexandra Masciantonio ◽

David Bourguignon ◽

Pierre Bouchat ◽

Manon Balty ◽

Bernard Rimé

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Social Network ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Social Comparison ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Social Network Sites ◽

Well Being ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Future Research ◽

Upward Social Comparison

Prior studies indicated that actively using social network sites (SNSs) is positively associated with well-being by enhancing social support and feelings of connectedness. Conversely, passively using SNSs is negatively associated with well-being by fostering upward social comparison and envy. However, the majority of these studies has focused on Facebook. The present research examined the relationships between well-being—satisfaction with life, negative affect, positive affect—and using actively or passively various SNSs—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok—during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, two mediators were tested: social support and upward social comparison. One thousand four persons completed an online survey during the quarantine measures; the analyses employed structural equation modeling. Results showed that passive usage of Facebook is negatively related to well-being through upward social comparison, whereas active usage of Instagram is positively related to satisfaction with life and negative affect through social support. Furthermore, active usage of Twitter was positively related to satisfaction with life through social support; while passive usage was negatively related to upward social comparison, which, in turn, was associated with more negative affect. Finally, TikTok use was not associated with well-being. Results are discussed in line with SNSs’ architectures and users’ motivations. Future research is required to go beyond methodological and statistical limitations and allow generalization. This study concludes that SNSs must be differentiated to truly understand how they shape human interactions.

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The Association Between Online Social Network Support and Fear of COVID-19 Among Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1141 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 296-296

Author(s):

Andrew Steward ◽

Matthew Schilz ◽

Kaipeng Wang ◽

M Pilar Ingle ◽

Carson de Fries ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Online Social Networks ◽

Online Social Network ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Network Support ◽

Social Network Support

Abstract Public health concerns related to the COVID-19 health crisis are particularly salient among older adults. Fear surrounding COVID-19 has also been associated with increased spread, morbidity, and mortality of the disease. Prior to the pandemic, loneliness and social isolation were already a concern for older adults, and the pandemic further constrained how older adults may socially connect with others because of public health safety precautions. Online social networks are a valuable form of support for older adults, and usage of online social networks during the pandemic may have expanded. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the association between online social networks and fear of COVID-19 among older adults. A convenience sample (n = 239) of adults 60+ years of age in the U.S. completed a 20-minute, online survey. The independent variable utilized the Lubben Social Network Scale (four items), focusing on online support. The dependent variable was measured by the Fear of COVID-19 scale (eight items). Results of ordinary least squares regression show that increased online social network support was significantly associated with decreased fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.05), while holding constant age, sex, race, marital status, education, whether a respondent lives alone, and self-rated health. Findings highlight the importance of online social networks for older adults during the COVID-19 crisis. Existing online networks which engage older adults should be expanded, and efforts should be made to provide older adults with online forms of social support who may experience barriers or inequities related to accessing technology.

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The Relationship Between Use of Social Network Sites, Online Social Support, and Well-Being

Journal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications ◽

10.1027/1864-1105/a000222 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (3) ◽

pp. 115-125 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Sonja Utz ◽

Johannes Breuer

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Social Network ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Social Network Sites ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Online Social Support ◽

Internet Users ◽

Using Data

Abstract. Existing work on the effects of social network sites (SNS) on well-being has often stressed that SNS can help people gain social support from their online networks, which positively affects their well-being. However, the majority of studies in this area have been cross-sectional in nature and/or relied on student samples. Using data from six waves of a longitudinal study with a representative sample of Dutch Internet users, we first examined whether users and nonusers of SNS differ in online social support and well-being (as indicated by life satisfaction and stress). In a second step, we investigated in more detail how SNS use – more specifically, asking for advice and the number of strong ties on these SNS – are related to online social support, stress, and satisfaction with life. Overall, our results provide no evidence for SNS use and online social support affecting either stress or life satisfaction. SNS users reported more online social support than nonusers did, but also higher levels of stress; the two groups did not differ in overall life satisfaction. With regard to the underlying processes, we found positive cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between asking for advice on SNS and online social support, indicating that SNS can be an effective tool for receiving social support. However, online social support was not related to higher life satisfaction or reduced stress 6 months later; instead, it seems that SNS users with lower life satisfaction and/or higher stress seek more social support online by asking for advice on SNS.

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GENDER AND BELIEFS ABOUT SUCCESSFUL AGING IN EASTERN NEPAL

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3131 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S851-S851

Author(s):

Xiao Qiu ◽

Na Sun ◽

Sara J McLaughlin ◽

Janardan Subedi ◽

Suman S Thapa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Future Research ◽

Developing Nation ◽

Health Related ◽

Women And Girls ◽

Aging Adult ◽

The Life Course

Abstract Gender shapes opportunities and experiences over the life course, which may influence beliefs about what it means to age successfully. In Nepal, a developing nation in South Asia, women and girls have historically had fewer social and economic opportunities than their male counterparts. To understand how gender may shape beliefs about successful aging, adult members of the Jiri population in eastern Nepal were asked to rate the importance of health-related (e.g., longevity), psychological (e.g., satisfaction with life), and social (e.g., support of family and friends) elements of successful aging (n = 1479; 52.9% female; 49.0% age 18-39, 33.1% age 40 to 59, 17.8% age 60 and over). Each of the 13 elements was rated as very important by over two thirds of the sample. Few gender differences in beliefs were observed; however, results of logistic regression analysis indicate that the odds of Jiri women endorsing longevity (OR = 0.75, p = 0.02) and life satisfaction (OR = 0.65, p = 0.02) as very important to successful aging were significantly lower than for men, controlling for age, education, and presence of illness. While more similarities than differences in beliefs about successful aging were observed by gender, the extent to which socially-defined roles and expectations may be responsible for observed differences should be explored in future research.

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